PWHL could ice players from 15 nations this season

The PWHL could open the 2026-27 season with players from as many as 15 nations once free-agent camp invitations are resolved. That would be the highest total in league history.

Players from 13 countries appeared during the inaugural season. Representation fell to 10 countries in the second season and stayed at 10 last year, even as several national groups grew. Czechia reached nine players, Sweden and Finland had five each, Russia and Germany had three apiece, and Switzerland, Italy and Austria each had two.

Current projections have Czechia reaching 11 players, Finland as many as 10 and Sweden eight. Russia and Germany could have five each, while Switzerland and Italy could reach four. Austria, Japan, Denmark, China, Hungary, Norway and France also have players signed or invited to camp. If each country places at least one player on a roster, the league would reach 15 nations.

Expansion to 12 teams has created more roster spots while the new clubs continue to build their lineups.

The league's international pool could keep growing in future seasons. Prospects from Slovakia, Spain, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Poland are developing, with several Slovak players approaching PWHL eligibility through the NCAA.