Overview
- The league released the 2026 draft order on Monday, June 15, confirming a six‑round, 72‑player draft with Vancouver picking first and the expansion teams slotted 3–6 (Detroit No.3, San Jose No.4, Las Vegas No.5, Hamilton No.6).
- All four expansion franchises reached the Phase 4 requirement of 10 signed players, with Detroit finishing its quota by signing Shiann Darkangelo, Nina Jobst‑Smith and Ella Huber.
- Hamilton added Abby Hustler, Allyson Simpson and Riley Brengman in Phase 4 and then acquired Peyton Hemp through the selection process, while Las Vegas used a selection to add Abby Boreen and San Jose locked its first ten players.
- A reported sign‑and‑trade to send Hilary Knight to Detroit is still developing and cannot be finalized until the league trade freeze lifts on June 16.
- The PWHL’s six‑phase Expansion Player Distribution Process uses exclusive negotiation lists and binding Expansion Foundational Offers with reported first‑year minimums near $100,000, and the June 17 draft followed by the open signing window on June 19 will determine how teams complete rosters and how veteran prospects are valued.