Our Mock Draft Picks for PWHL Seattle’s Expansion Roster
By Silvia Leija-Rosas, edited by Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - With puck drop at Climate Pledge Arena for PWHL Seattle’s inaugural season only a few months away, it’s time to dive into one of the most exciting parts of the offseason: the Expansion Draft.
We’ve read the rules, scoured the protection lists, and put on our pretend general manager hats to come up with a mock draft that’s not only fun, but built to win. So let’s break down what’s going on, how it works and which players we think Seattle should snag to start building a contender from the jump.
Expansion Draft 101
To build their inaugural rosters, both Vancouver and Seattle will select players through a two-phase process:
Exclusive Signing Window (June 4-8, 2025): Seattle and Vancouver can each sign up to five unprotected players from existing teams.
Expansion Draft (June 9, 2025): Each expansion team will select additional players to reach a 12-player roster. If one team signs fewer than five players during the Exclusive Signing Window, it will be granted additional selections in the Expansion Draft to reach the 12-player minimum.
Each of the six existing PWHL teams was allowed to protect three players from selection. Once a team loses two players (through signing or drafting), it can protect a fourth player.
The Exclusive Signing Window
Before the big Expansion Draft day, Seattle gets a head start. Think of it like getting early dibs on some seriously talented players. That means newly-minted Seattle GM Meghan Turner has a golden opportunity to lock in some franchise cornerstones before the draft even begins. It’s like hitting the free agency jackpot, if they play it smart.
Here are three can't-miss players Seattle should be making moves on ASAP:
Boston Fleet captain Hilary Knight during her teams “PWHL Takeover Tour” game in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena earlier this calendar year. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo)
Hilary Knight (F) Boston Fleet
Hilary Knight is the epitome of a franchise cornerstone: an elite scorer, seasoned leader, and trailblazer in women's hockey. In the 2024-25 PWHL season, she led the league with 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) over 30 games for the Boston Fleet, earning her the PWHL Points Leader Award and a finalist spot for the Billie Jean King MVP Award. Her consistent performance and leadership on the ice make her an invaluable asset to any team.
Knight's international resume is unparalleled: a four-time Olympian with one gold and three silver medals, and a record-setting 10 IIHF World Championship gold medals. She became the first player in Women's World Championship history to surpass 100 career points, solidifying her status as a legend in the sport.
At 35, Knight continues to perform at the highest level, combining her physical prowess with exceptional hockey IQ. Her presence would not only boost Seattle's offensive capabilities but also provide mentorship to younger players, fostering a culture of excellence and determination.
This should be the easiest choice for Turner who has worked with Knight in the past during her time as assistant GM with the Boston Fleet and was clear about her vision of having a strong leadership core to build a winning team. And who would say no to Idaho-born Knight to be the skater to bring the PWHL to the PNW? Certainly not us.
Montréal Victoire defender Erin Ambrose during her teams “PWHL Takeover Tour” game in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena earlier this calendar year. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo)
Erin Ambrose (D) Montréal Victoire
Erin Ambrose is the kind of player every expansion team dreams of building around. Fresh off being named the PWHL's 2024 Defender of the Year, she led all blueliners in assists (14) and was second in total points (18), proving she’s not just solid in her own zone, she’s a playmaker, too. A gold medalist with Team Canada at the 2022 Olympics, Ambrose brings championship pedigree, elite hockey IQ, and poise under pressure. She’s a reliable top-pair defender who can quarterback the power play, kill penalties, and log big minutes. She averaged over 26 minutes a night for Montréal in 2024. What she might lack in size (5’3”), she more than makes up for with smart positioning, slick puck movement, and unmatched vision on the ice. Seattle would be lucky to land her; she’s a leader, a workhorse, and the kind of veteran presence that could instantly anchor the blue line and set the tone for a brand-new franchise.
Corinne Schroeder (G) New York Sirens
In the 2024-25 season with the New York Sirens, Corinne Schroeder posted a .919 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average over 20 games, recording four shutouts and securing 10 wins. Her performance was instrumental in the Sirens' competitiveness, including a notable 33-save shutout against the Minnesota Frost in April 2025 .
Schroeder's journey to the PWHL spotlight began with an outstanding collegiate career at Boston University and Quinnipiac University, where she set program records for save percentage and goals-against average. Transitioning to professional play, she continued to excel with the Boston Pride in the PHF, earning Goaltender and Rookie of the Year honors before being drafted by the Sirens in 2023 .
Standing at 5'11", Schroeder combines her size with exceptional positioning and composure, making her an absolute presence in the crease. Her consistency and ability to perform under pressure would provide Seattle with a reliable backbone as they build their inaugural team. Adding Schroeder to the roster would not only strengthen the goaltending position but also bring leadership and a winning mentality to the new franchise.
Add a little more spice…
Seattle will select additional players to complete their 12-player roster. Here is who we would pick in the GM chair:
Alex Carpenter (F) New York Sirens
Carpenter is a dynamic forward known for her scoring touch and playmaking abilities. In the 2024-25 season with the New York Sirens, she recorded 11 goals and 9 assists over 26 games, totaling 20 points and a +5 rating. Her shooting percentage stood at an impressive 18.6%, and she maintained a 52.8% faceoff win rate. Her offensive prowess and leadership would make her an invaluable addition to Seattle's forward group.
Sophie Jaques (D) Minnesota Frost
Jaques emerged as one of the PWHL's premier defenders during the 2024-25 season with the Minnesota Frost. After being traded from the Boston Fleet in February 2024, she quickly became a cornerstone of Minnesota's blue line. In 25 regular-season games, Jaques tallied 7 goals and 15 assists, totaling 22 points, which tied her for the league lead among defenders. Her performance earned her a finalist spot for the PWHL Defender of the Year award.
Kristen Campbell (G) Toronto Sceptres
Kristen Campbell has been a reliable presence between the pipes for the Toronto Sceptres. In the 2024-25 season, she appeared in 21 games, recording a 2.25 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Campbell's consistent performance and composure under pressure make her a dependable choice for teams looking to strengthen their goaltending roster.
Note: Player selections are based on available information as of June 3, 2025, and are subject to change based on official team decisions and player commitments.
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Check out our previous PWHL Seattle articles here.
Check out our previous articles written by Silvia Leija Rosas here, and follow her on Twitter here.
Check out our previous articles with writing by Charles Hamaker here.
Check out our previous articles with photos by Rio Giancarlo here, and his portfolio here.
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