Hilary Knight, Daryl Watts & the PWHL Expansion Shakeup | Protected Players & Salary Breakdown
About this episode
The episode discusses the PWHL expansion, player protection lists, and salary transparency in women's hockey.
The expansion era is here — and we have a LOT to unpack. Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner break down everything that went down in Phase 1 of the PWHL's player distribution process, react to the league-wide protected player lists, and discuss what those choices signal about each franchise's direction heading into a pivotal offseason. We dig into why Seattle's decision not to protect Hillary Knight raised eyebrows (and what Meghan Turner's carefully worded press availability may have revealed between the lines), whether Toronto is already at a structural disadvantage with Hamilton setting up shop next door, and how Boston's third coaching change in as many seasons might actually be the right call. Then we get into the conversation the league can't avoid forever: salary transparency. With 2025–26 salaries disclosed but new signing numbers staying quiet, what does that mean for players negotiating in the dark — and for a league locked into a CBA through 2031 while women's sports revenues are exploding? PLUS: A solo update from Erica on Phase 2 signings as of June 8 — including Daryl Watts to PWHL Detroit, Brianne Jenner to PWHL Hamilton, and what the expansion rosters are starting to…
More episodes of At Even Strength: A Women's Hockey Podcast
- PWHL Deep Dive: Minnesota Frost & Toronto Sceptres Season 3 Recap| Plus Mark Walter & Stan Kasten Statement
- PWHL Deep Dive: Ottawa Charge & Boston Fleet Season 3 Review | Plus Mark Walter Updates
- The PWHL Has 12 Teams Now — Does That Mean Conferences, New Playoffs & Bigger Arenas? | Montréal Victoire Deep Dive
- The PWHL Has 12 Teams Now — Does That Mean Conferences, New Playoffs & Bigger Arenas?
- What Happens to Montréal Without MPP? | Hilary Knight's 3-Year Extension & PWHL Offseason Intel
- 🚨 PWHL Draft Recap: Caroline Harvey to Vancouver, Lacey Eden's Draft Day Steal, and the Draft Order Controversy That Has Everyone Talking
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