Boston Fleet Announce Protected Player List

The Boston Fleet, along with the rest of the six inaugural teams, has revealed their protected player list for the upcoming PWHL expansion process. Teams were able to protect three players from their roster. The Boston Fleet selected Aerin Frankel (G), Megan Keller (D), Alina Müller (F).

Players eligible to be protected must either be under contract for the 2025–26 season or the team must hold their playing rights through the 2025–26 season. 

Players like Hilary Knight, Hannah Bilka, Jamie Lee Rattray, Sydney Bard (and others) were left unprotected, which leaves many fans questioning the state of the team after the draft.

PLAYERS ELIGIBLE FOR A TEAM’S FOURTH PROTECTION PICK, EXCLUSIVE SIGNING WINDOW & EXPANSION DRAFT SELECTION

Expansion teams will be granted a five-day window to sign a maximum of five players. Any unprotected player or any player on an expiring contract is eligible to be signed. Below is a list of the qualified players:

Boston Fleet (11): Sydney Bard (D), Hannah Bilka (F), Hannah Brandt (F), Emily Brown (D), Hadley Hartmetz (D), Hilary Knight (F), Shay Maloney (F), Ilona Markova (F), Daniela Pejšová (D), Jamie Lee Rattray (F), Sophie Shirley (F) 

PLAYERS ELIGIBLE DURING EXCLUSIVE SIGNING WINDOW ONLY

Boston Fleet (14): Lexie Adzija (F), Kelly Babstock (F), Jillian Dempsey (F), Jessica DiGirolamo (D), Loren Gabel (F), Emma Greco (D), Sidney Morin (D), Amanda Pelkey (F), Klára Peslarová (G), Jill Saulnier (F), Theresa Schafzahl (F), Emma Söderberg (G), Susanna Tapani (F), Olivia Zafuto (D)

Important dates to know:

Exclusive signing window – June 4 (9 A.M. ET) TO June 8 (5 P.M. ET)

2025 Expansion Draft– June 9 (8:30 P.M. ET)

Our thoughts on the PWHL's first ever expansion! – The Wicked Alert Podcast

In this episode of the Wicked Alert Podcast, Kelsea Durham and Elisha Côté discuss the emotional aftermath of the PWHL's first expansion draft. They delve into the player protection choices made by various teams, the impact of player departures on fans and staff, and the strategic decisions behind protecting certain players. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by GMs and the emotional toll on players and fans alike as they navigate the changes in team rosters. 

1. Our thoughts on the PWHL's first ever expansion! 39:17
2. The Wicked Alert Podcast is Back! Season Recap and More 43:08
3. Interview with a Fan and PWHL Updates 55:35
4. Predictions, Three Stars, and More! 48:51
5. West Coast Takeover: PWHL in Vancouver and Seattle 01:01:15