The PWHL free-agency has started, and players have begun signing new players or coming to terms with existing ones. Additionally, they are trying to sign their picks from this year’s draft. Almost every team has signed a 2024 draft pick so far. Let’s see who will suit up this season for the teams that selected them.
PWHL Toronto
Toronto has arguably been the busiest this offseason, making tons of free-agent signings along with their draft picks.
The team’s sixth overall pick, Julia Gosling, signed a two-year contract last month.
“We are thrilled to sign our first pick from the 2024 PWHL Draft to a two-year contract. Julia brings a power forward presence to our lineup. She has size, an incredible shot, and is eager to continue to develop her game,” explains General Manager Gina Kingsbury in the press release. “Julia is an exciting player because of how high her ceiling is and how great of a teammate she is. Julia will make our roster, organization, and community better.”
Defender Megan Carter signed a two-year deal along with forward Izzy Daniel. The two were taken 12th and 18th overall in this year’s draft. Both had talented careers in the NCAA. Carter will bring some stability to the blue line, while Daniel will set up other players in the offensive zone.
Additionally, goaltender Raygan Kirk, who was selected with the last pick of the draft, signed a contract with Toronto.
PWHL Boston
The Walter Cup runners-up recently signed Sydney Bard, a fourth-round (22nd overall) defender to a two-year deal with the club.
Bard played five seasons at Colgate University and is the first 2024 Boston draftee to sign with the team. According to the press release, General Manager Danielle Marmer described Bard as a player with good offensive intuition and a high hockey IQ. Marmer also mentioned that Boston wants to play a fast-transition game this coming season and feels Bard will fit nicely into that system.
“I’m very grateful to have signed with Boston for two years,” says Bard, per the release. “I can’t wait to meet the team and start working towards another championship run. I’m looking forward to making Boston my home.”
PWHL New York
PWHL New York has not yet signed any 2024 draft picks, including first-overall Sarah Fillier. The team has made a few re-signings, including goaltenders Abbey Levy and Corrine Schroeder.
PWHL Ottawa
Anna Meixner is 30 years old, and has had an extensive career playing in Europe. She is the first 2024 Ottawa draft pick to sign with the team.
For the last four years, Meixner has played in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League with Brynäs. She was the 2022-23 League MVP, totaling 53 points in 30 games. Internationally, Meixner is the captain of the Austrian National Team.
“Anna is a veteran player who had tremendous success in Europe. Think her offensive skills will translate really well in the PWHL. We are excited to have her as part of our organization. We like her speed and her instincts in the offensive zone,” said PWHL Ottawa General Manager Mike Hirshfeld in the press release.
PWHL Montreal
Montreal signed fifth-overall pick Cayla Barnes to a three-year deal. The team has also re-signed a few free agents, including Mikyla Grant-Mentis.
PWHL Minnesota
Minnesota has been busy this offseason as it looks to defend its championship title. So far, the club has signed Britta Curl (9th overall) and Klára Hymlárová (15th overall) on two-year deals.
Curl was the captain at the University of Wisconsin. In her five-year career, she scored 179 points in 181 games and was a member of three national championship teams. Hymlárová played five years at St. Cloud State in Minnesota and is a member of the Czech National Team. Hymlárova is the first St. Cloud State player to be drafted into the PWHL.
“I am beyond excited to officially be part of this great organization, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the team and the State of Hockey,” said Hymlárová in the release. “After spending five seasons at St. Cloud State, Minnesota holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to continue to be a part of our rich hockey tradition!”
Main Photo: Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
