PWHL Detroit Makes Waves by Signing Four Olympians on Expansion Day

PWHL Detroit made headlines on Friday as it signed four Olympians on the inaugural day of expansion player signings. The highlight of the day was the acquisition of Daryl Watts, who inked a groundbreaking four-year deal through the team's exclusive “Expansion Foundational Offer.” While the specific terms of the contract were not disclosed, league guidelines state that Watts will earn a minimum of $100,000 USD annually, along with a $20,000 signing bonus.

In addition to Watts, the team also secured defender Cayla Barnes for three years, along with forwards Hannah Bilka and Britta Curl-Salemme, who signed for two and three years, respectively. The second phase of the PWHL’s expansion roster-building effort has only just commenced, yet the rosters are already transforming. Detroit, Hamilton, and San Jose have welcomed at least eight new players, while Las Vegas, slated to join in the 2027-28 season, has yet to announce any signings.

With these new additions, Detroit is quickly shaping up to be a formidable team, boasting a young and talented roster just a day into the signing period. Watts stands out as one of the most prolific players in PWHL history, amassing 63 points in 81 games across her time with the Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres. She ranks second all-time in goals, trailing only Montreal's captain Marie-Philip Poulin. The 27-year-old has also made her mark on the international stage, finishing third in scoring at the Olympics with Team Canada.

Watts was a sought-after free agent and could have received an “EFO” from any of the four expansion teams. However, Toronto Sceptres general manager Gina Kingsbury revealed that while they aimed to retain Watts, she opted for a different market. Meanwhile, Barnes and Bilka, who were left unprotected by the Seattle Torrent, bring a wealth of championship experience to Detroit, having won a national title at Ohio State University and Olympic gold in Milan.

Bilka, known for her speed and creativity, shone at the Olympics, leading the tournament with four goals. However, she has faced challenges with injuries during her PWHL career. Curl-Salemme, a versatile forward, is positioned to play a pivotal role in Detroit's offense, having finished third in league scoring this past season. Detroit's general manager, Manon Rhéaume, has until Monday at 1 p.m. ET to make one final signing, or else face a player selection process later that evening.