The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has announced a detailed plan for its two newest franchises in Seattle and Vancouver to build their rosters. This process will begin with an exclusive free agency period followed by an expansion draft, ensuring both teams can establish competitive lineups.

Roster Building Timeline

• June 4-8: Exclusive free agency period for Seattle and Vancouver.
• June 9: Expansion draft to fill remaining roster spots.

Protection Guidelines

Existing PWHL teams have until June 3 to protect three players from the expansion process. Once a team loses two players, they can protect an additional fourth player. There are no restrictions on the number of positional players that can be protected.

Free Agency and Draft Details

Seattle and Vancouver can each sign up to five free agents during the signing period, including players with contracts expiring after this season. The expansion draft will then be used to fill the rosters to a 12-player limit.

Future Steps

After the expansion draft, both teams will continue to build their rosters through the PWHL draft on June 24, followed by the league's free agency period. The league aims to promote competitive balance and provide the new teams with a strong foundational roster.

Expansion Team Integration

The PWHL has not yet disclosed how Seattle and Vancouver will be integrated into the six-round draft order. Additionally, the league is in the process of hiring general managers and coaching staff for both new teams.

Recent Announcements

Vancouver and Seattle were announced as the PWHL's first two expansion franchises last month. The league is currently wrapping up its second season, with the defending champion Minnesota Frost set to face the Ottawa Charge in a best-of-five championship final series starting Tuesday.

This strategic approach to roster building ensures that the new franchises can compete at a high level from the outset, maintaining the league's commitment to excellence and competitive balance.