PWHL offseason heats up ahead of entry draft

The GIST: From the comprehensive expansion process to preparing for tonight’s 5 p.m. ET entry draft, PWHL front offices have been booked and busy this offseason. It’s all happening.

☝️ Let’s start with the trade freeze thaw: We’re in the fifth phase of the six-step expansion process, meaning existing teams can re-sign skaters — or deal them to other squads since the league-wide trade freeze has also been lifted. And the dominoes are already falling: The legendary Hilary Knight is officially on her way to PWHL Detroit via a trade with PWHL Las Vegas.

✌️ Breaking down tonight’s entry draft: The Vancouver Goldeneyes own the No. 1 pick based on the league’s innovative Gold Plan. The Seattle Torrent will select second after their last-place finish this year, followed by the four expansion squads. Finally, the six remaining teams will draft in the reverse order of their 2025–26 season results.

• There’s plenty of talent to go around over the six-round, 72-pick draft. Not only is this the largest player pool in league history with 236 eligible skaters, it’s also the deepest, featuring 23 Milano-Cortina Olympians from eight different countries. If you build it…

👀 Here are our anticipated top three picks:

• 1️⃣ Caroline Harvey | defender | Wisconsin: The 23-year-old is the reigning Olympic MVP and a true generational talent. Enough said.

• 2️⃣ Abbey Murphy | forward | Minnesota: In any other year, this offensive juggernaut would probably go No. 1 overall. Let’s just say Murphy’s someone you want on your team.

• 3️⃣ Laila Edwards | defender | Wisconsin: Edwards’ versatility (she plays forward, too) is unmatched. This trailblazing friend of The GIST is physical, tough, and employs the best shot in the game.