The Premier Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is set to expand by adding four new teams for the upcoming season, beginning with Detroit. In a significant change, the league has decided to eliminate the expansion player draft, which previously limited player control over their futures. According to a memo from the PWHL Players Association, existing teams will be allowed to protect three players under contract, while expansion teams can negotiate with prospective players starting May 28. Each expansion team can sign up to five players, including one franchise player guaranteed a minimum salary of $100,000 per year. This new approach aims to balance competitive fairness and player satisfaction, as emphasized by Jayna Hefford, the league's vice president of hockey operations. The PWHL is also considering a restructuring into two conferences and four divisions, with a potential expansion of the playoff format to include more teams. The draft is set for June 17, followed by an open signing period for all teams.