PWHL Revamps Expansion Draft Rules Ahead of Adding Four Teams
With 4 teams being added, PWHL revamping draft
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The Premier Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is overhauling its expansion rules, eliminating the expansion player draft as it prepares to add four new teams next season. The new process aims to balance competitive fairness and player satisfaction, allowing existing teams to protect players and offering expansion teams a structured signing period.
- 01PWHL will add four new teams next season, starting with Detroit.
- 02The expansion player draft has been eliminated to enhance player control.
- 03Existing teams can protect three players under contract.
- 04Expansion teams can sign up to five players, including a franchise player with a minimum salary of $100,000.
- 05The draft is scheduled for June 17, with a new playoff format being considered.
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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.
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The changes in the expansion process will give players more control over their careers and enhance competitive balance within the league.
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