Daryl Watts Makes History with Four-Year Contract in Detroit; Brianne Jenner Joins Hamilton

Detroit's general manager Manon Rhéaume has swiftly begun assembling her PWHL expansion team, making headlines on Friday by signing four players, including Daryl Watts, who has secured the league's inaugural four-year contract. In a parallel move, Brianne Jenner, the captain of the Ottawa Charge, has finalized a three-year deal with the new franchise in Hamilton, Ontario, marking a significant transition for the four-time Olympian as she returns closer to her roots in Oakville.

Alongside Jenner's signing, Hamilton has also brought on New York goalie Kayle Osborne, who will join the team under a three-year agreement. These signings took place on the opening day of a three-day expansion signing period, during which the four new teams are allowed to contract five players. Notably, San Jose made waves by signing Seattle goalie Corinne Schroeder to a two-year deal, leaving Las Vegas as the only expansion team yet to secure a player.

Watts' signing with Detroit stands out due to the "Expansion Foundational Offer" she received, which ensures a minimum annual salary of $100,000. The 27-year-old forward opted for the maximum four-year term, a new feature introduced this season. Watts, who previously earned $59,000 while playing for Toronto, was the top scorer for the Sceptres last season with 10 goals and 19 points, and currently holds the second position in all-time league goals with 32. She also made her Olympic debut in February, contributing to a silver medal victory for Canada at the Milan Cortina Games.

In addition to Watts, Detroit has added defender Cayla Barnes and forward Hannah Bilka, both of whom played alongside each other in Seattle and won Olympic gold for the U.S. in February, with Bilka leading the tournament with four goals. Furthermore, the team has signed Minnesota forward Britta Curl-Salemme, who finished the last season with an impressive 29 points, including a league-record 18 assists.