An Olympic year and a contract for Fillier: 4 PWHL storylines to watch this summer
CBC
When the Minnesota Frost lifted the Walter Cup just one month ago, players across the league knew things were about to change.
With the dust now settled from the PWHL's expansion draft, free-agent signing window and entry draft, it's clear that there's been a massive, league-wide roster reset.
Seattle and Vancouver accumulated a wealth of talent through the expansion draft, and GMs of the existing six teams have been working to fill the gaps.
With further expansion on the horizon, and lots of big contracts across the league expiring after next season, it feels like teams have to prioritize the immediate future. Long-term planning is next to impossible.
"I think if you ask most of the general managers in this league, this league has transitioned a little bit now," Ottawa Charge GM Mike Hirshfeld, who prioritized draft-eligible players with previous pro experience, said on draft night.
"It's really focused on winning now and players who can step in right away."
All of that led to an action-packed draft day in Ottawa, where three blockbuster trades were announced.
WATCH | Biggest takeaways from the PWHL Draft on Hockey North:
Defender Ella Shelton is a massive addition to Toronto's defensive core, and gives the Sceptres two of the best defenders in the world.
Abby Roque, meanwhile, will make Montreal harder to play against, as the Victoire look to translate regular-season success to a Walter Cup.
The PWHL's signing window is now closed until July 8 at 9 a.m. With the off-season in full swing, here are four storylines to watch as we look ahead to the PWHL's third season next fall.
There's no question that Seattle and Vancouver look like two of the strongest teams in the league. Both stockpiled young talent. Vancouver has the deepest blue line in the league, and two reliable goaltenders. Seattle, meanwhile, has a top six with skill and size in spades.
But how will that translate on the ice?
It's a problem Seattle GM Meghan Turner knows well, having been the assistant GM in Boston before heading west.
