Frost Expected to Lose 4 Key Players in Upcoming Expansion Draft

Frost Expected to Lose 4 Key Players in Upcoming Expansion Draft

With the Walter Cup staying in Minnesota for a second consecutive year, the phrase “Break up the Frost!” is likely being heard across the PWHL after the announcement of expansion teams in Seattle and Vancouver next season. While the league didn’t aim for this outcome when introducing new teams, the impending expansion draft, set for next Monday, will lead to significant roster changes.

The original six teams are permitted to protect three players who are under contract for the next season, and each team will lose four players to the expansion teams. Additionally, Seattle and Vancouver will have an exclusive period to negotiate with free agents from Wednesday to Saturday.

The six teams submitted their protection lists on Monday, with the full lists being revealed on Tuesday.

“When we heard that we could only protect three players and would lose four, our jaws dropped—it’s a lot,” Frost head coach Ken Klee remarked.

Despite the challenge, Klee understands it’s a shared struggle.

“We know we’ll lose four great players, just like everyone else,” Klee said. “We have no idea how the new teams will build their rosters, but once the draft is done, we’ll assess what we’ve lost and look to fill those gaps through the draft or free agency. We’ll also promote from within, giving some players bigger roles than they had this year.”

The Frost have 11 players under contract for next season. Taylor Heise is expected to be protected, leaving Klee and general manager Melissa Caruso to decide on the other two players to protect from a talented group, including defensemen Lee Stecklein, Sophie Jaques, and Claire Thompson, along with forwards Grace Zumwinkle, Britta Curl-Salemme, Kelly Pannek, and Kendall Coyne Schofield.

In goal, Nicole Hensley is under contract for next season, while Maddie Rooney is a free agent. It’s likely that Rooney will re-sign with the Frost, meaning one of the two goaltenders will stay in Minnesota.

The Frost, like the other original teams, must balance protecting promising young talent while staying competitive in the short term.

“The league could expand further in the future,” Caruso said. “So, we’re planning in shorter timeframes, knowing there will be more changes in the next few years. We have some players nearing the end of their careers and others just starting out, so we’ll focus on finding the right mix of experience and youth to ensure success next season.”

Looking ahead, Caruso emphasized that the team plans to add more physicality to their lineup, suggesting that Curl-Salemme, known for her tough style, is a player the Frost might prioritize. The decision between her and Zumwinkle, as well as between veteran defenseman Stecklein and the emerging Claire Thompson, who impressed in her rookie season, will be tough.

“Anything can happen,” Stecklein said. “It’s hard to picture losing anyone. It will be a crazy time, but I’m so grateful for the two years I’ve spent with the Frost. If I end up out west, it’ll still be a great experience.”

Coyne Schofield, the team captain, led the Frost in both goals (12) and points (24) last season. At 33 years old, she’s committed to playing next season, and will soon find out where she’ll be.

“I’ve been doing this long enough to know that you can only control what you can control,” Coyne Schofield said. “I’m trying not to stress over what’s out of my hands. Everyone’s feeling the pressure, wondering how this will affect themselves, their teammates, and the team as a whole.”