Everything you need to know before the PWHL’s first-ever expansion draft

The GIST: The PWHL’s first-ever expansion draft is tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET, when the league’s two new squads — Seattle and Vancouver — will continue to fill out their rosters ahead of their upcoming debuts. Spring truly is the season of change.

▶️ ICYMI, expansion rosters are already in progress: The Original Six PWHL teams were only allowed to protect three players each ahead of tonight’s draft. The exclusive signing window opened on June 4th, prompting significant moves, including superstar forward Hilary Knight heading to Seattle and fellow forward Sarah Nurse to Vancouver, as neither player was protected by her former team.

⚙️ Here’s how tonight’s expansion draft works: Seattle and Vancouver will have the chance to select seven players each from the existing talent pool, bringing their rosters to 12 players apiece. The draft order will not be revealed until the fun begins.

• Two names to know: standout forwards Grace Zumwinkle (Minnesota Frost) and Emma Maltais (Toronto Sceptres), who are both available tonight.

• But that’s not all. The annual PWHL Draft, where players are selected from the NCAA or other pro enterprises, is set for June 24th. Booked and busy.