PWHL Detroit signs 4 Olympians on Day 1 of expansion player movement
· Yahoo Sports
PWHL Detroit made a major splash on Friday, signing four Olympians on the first day of expansion player movement.
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First, the team signed Daryl Watts to a historic four-year contract using its single binding “Expansion Foundational Offer” on the star winger. The team did not disclose the terms of the deal, but according to the league’s rules, Watts will earn at least $100,000 USD annually and receive a $20,000 bonus.
Then, Detroit added to the haul, signing defender Cayla Barnes (three years) and forwards Hannah Bilka (two years) and Britta Curl-Salemme (three years).
Phase 2 — the expansion team foundational signing period — of the PWHL’s expansion roster-building process only began on Friday, but rosters have already been reshaped. At least eight players have signed with the league’s new additions in Detroit, Hamilton and San Jose. Las Vegas, the fourth expansion team for 2027-28, has yet to announce a signing.
Detroit already looks to be a strong contender with a young, skilled core locked in less than 24 hours into the signing window.
Watts is one of the most productive players in PWHL history, with 63 points in 81 career games between the Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres. Only Montreal captain Marie-Philip Poulin has more career goals (38) than Watts (32). The 27-year-old is one of the league’s strongest offensive forces and has made an impact on every team she’s played on, including Team Canada at the Olympics, where she finished third in tournament scoring.
As a free agent, Watts was eligible to be offered an “EFO” by any of the four expansion teams. According to Toronto Sceptres general manager Gina Kingsbury, the organization tried to re-sign Watts — to then protect her from expansion — but Watts “felt that another market was better for her.”
Barnes and Bilka were both left unprotected by the Seattle Torrent, which used their three protection slots on goalie Hannah Murphy, forward Alex Carpenter and defender Anna Wilgren.
The duo has played together for six years now at the college and pro level and brings a winning pedigree to Detroit, having won a national championship at Ohio State University (2024) and Olympic gold at the 2026 Milan Olympics. Barnes is a smart and mobile defender who can anchor Detroit’s blue line and power play. Bilka, meanwhile, is one of the quickest and craftiest wingers from the offensive blue line down.
Bilka has missed significant time in both of her PWHL seasons since being drafted fourth overall by Boston in 2024. But she really put her skill on display at the Olympics, scoring four goals — which tied for the tournament lead — and seven points in seven games for Team USA.
After losing Bilka, Barnes and Corinne Schroeder — who signed in San Jose — the Seattle Torrent cannot lose any more players under contract in Phase 2. They can still lose additional free agents, however, such as captain Hilary Knight.
Finally, Curl-Salemme is a well-rounded and hardworking forward, who could be Detroit’s No. 1 center getting pucks to Watts — or a reliable 2C who could drive her own line. The 26-year-old finished third in league scoring this season with 29 points in 30 games with the Minnesota Frost. Her 18 assists set a new PWHL single-season record.
Detroit general manager Manon Rhéaume will have until Monday at 1 p.m. ET to sign one more player. If the team fails to get to five players by the deadline, there will be a player selection process on Monday evening.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Sceptres, Minnesota Frost, Seattle Torrent, NHL, Sports Business, Women's Hockey
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