PWHL Expands To Detroit: What It Means For Minnesota Frost

The news that the Professional Women’s Hockey League is expanding once again, this time to Detroit, is exciting for women's hockey fans everywhere.

But for fans of the Minnesota Frost, the celebration also comes with one big scary question: who might Minnesota lose in an expansion draft?

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

The PWHL officially announced this week that Detroit will become the league’s ninth franchise ahead of the 2026-27 season. Detroit will also be hosting the 2026 PWHL Draft and Awards, which are happening in June.

While the league hasn’t talked about an expansion draft, you can almost bet...it's coming. It happened last year when we added the two newest teams, so I can't imagine we wouldn't have one.

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WHY HAVE AN EXPANSION DRAFT?

Expansion drafts are designed to help new franchises become competitive quickly by allowing them to select players from existing teams. That means every current PWHL team, including Minnesota, could be forced to lose some of their talented players, and I believe it can really upset a team's chemistry.

And that’s where things get interesting for Frost fans.

TWO-TIME WALTER CUP WINNERS MIGHT BE A TARGET

Minnesota has quickly become one of the league’s best. The Frost feature star power, veteran leadership, and some incredible goalie power. That’s great news for winning hockey games, but it also means Minnesota may have more desirable players than they can realistically protect.

WHAT NAMES COME TO MIND?

One obvious name that would almost certainly be protected by the Frost? Taylor Heise. She’s become one of the faces of the league and remains a foundational piece for the Frost.

Kelly Pannek, who is going to be recognized during the 2026 Awards Ceremony for leading the league in goals and points this season, would likely be another untouchable.

Minnesota would also probably prioritize protecting cornerstone defenders and goalies. But expansion drafts can be cruel, and these established teams can’t protect everyone.

That could leave Detroit with the opportunity to grab a strong forward, an emerging young defender, or even a veteran leader who can become vulnerable without team protection. Players who are incredibly valuable to building a championship roster often become expansion targets.

WELCOME TO CHANGE

There’s also another issue. Some players may welcome a fresh opportunity. Expansion teams can bring them more ice time and leadership opportunities that some players may not currently have on a talent-loaded roster like Minnesota’s.

I guess the good news is that The Frost aren't alone. Every PWHL team will likely face painful decisions, but considering that The Frost have won two Walter Cups, they could be especially vulnerable.

EXCITING TIME FOR THE PWHL

Even though expansion can be painful for individual teams, it's exactly what fans and the PWHL hoped for when the league launched in 2024. The league has shattered attendance records, expanded from six to nine teams in just a few seasons, and continues building momentum across North America. Detroit's entry into the league is another sign that women’s hockey is thriving.