PWHL Expansion Teams Lock In Foundational Rosters for 2026-27
Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose complete Phase 2 signings as four new markets prepare for inaugural seasons.
The PWHL's four expansion teams have wrapped up their foundational signings ahead of the 2026-27 season, securing cornerstone players through multi-year contract offers.
Detroit signed defenseman Cayla Barnes and forward Jesse Compher. Hamilton brought in forwards Emily Clark and Brianne Jenner. Las Vegas added defender Erin Ambrose and forward Hilary Knight, while San Jose signed forward Abbey Levy and defenseman Kristin Della Rovere, according to cbnc.com.
The signings follow Phase 2 of the Expansion Roster Distribution Process, which allowed the new franchises to issue Expansion Foundational Offers to eligible players on expiring contracts. The offers ranged from one to four years, giving teams flexibility to build competitive rosters from the start.
Detroit acquired Knight in a draft-day trade with Las Vegas, bringing one of the most decorated American players to the Motor City. The 37-year-old forward scored the tying goal in the Olympic gold medal game in Milan and is expected to provide veteran leadership, according to detroithockeynow.com. Detroit general manager Manon Rheaume emphasized speed and offense in building the roster, with the first five signings coming from the U.S. Olympic team.
Hamilton, under general manager Meghan Duggan, also signed goalie Kayle Osborne, the youngest player on Canada's Olympic roster, and drafted defender Nelli Laitinen sixth overall, per pdubhockey.com. The team added 2026 Rookie of the Year nominee Nicole Gosling on defense.
San Jose, announced as the league's 12th market in May, will play at SAP Center and train at Sharks Ice at San Jose, joining Detroit, Hamilton, and Las Vegas in the expansion class, according to ngscsports.com. The league's eight existing markets are Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.
