PWHL Hamilton signs Nelli Laitinen to three-year deal
The sixth overall pick in the 2026 draft is the first member of Hamilton’s inaugural draft class to sign.
PWHL Hamilton announced Monday, Oct. 5, that it has signed defender Nelli Laitinen to a three-year Standard Player Agreement through the 2028-29 season. The club selected her sixth overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft on June 17.
Laitinen finished four seasons at the University of Minnesota with 22 goals and 72 assists in 145 games. She captained the team in her final two seasons. Her 2025-26 totals of 10 goals and 20 assists were career highs, and she earned All-WCHA Second Team honours, according to Hamilton’s announcement.
General manager Meghan Duggan highlighted Laitinen’s ability to contribute throughout the game and her leadership experience. Laitinen said she looked forward to joining the city, meeting her teammates and playing for Hamilton’s fans.
Laitinen is the first of Hamilton’s six inaugural draft picks to sign, bringing the expansion club to 15 players under contract. Its other signed defenders include Zoe Boyd, Riley Brengman, Nicole Gosling, Anna Kjellbin and Allyson Simpson.
Hamilton’s home opener is Sunday, Dec. 13, at TD Coliseum.
