After the PWHL’s trade freeze ended on Tuesday, the league announced that five-time U.S. Olympian Hilary Knight was traded to Detroit in a sign-and-trade agreement with expansion team Las Vegas finalized last week.
Las Vegas acquired Detroit’s first-round pick, giving the team two top-five selections in Wednesday’s PWHL draft. In addition to the No. 5 pick, Las Vegas now holds Detroit’s No. 3 overall selection.
The agreement was reached on June 8 during the second phase of the PWHL’s expansion signing process, when Las Vegas used its foundational offer to sign Knight to a one-year contract.
Knight’s Pedigree
“Hilary Knight is one of the best and most accomplished players in women’s hockey history and is a significant addition to our roster ahead of our inaugural season,” Detroit GM Manon Rheaume said. ”In addition to the tremendous skill she will bring to the ice, her leadership and presence in the locker room and in the community and her desire to compete and to win a Walter Cup will be instrumental in shaping our culture and building our foundation.”
The full terms of acquiring 36-year-old Knight were not disclosed until Monday, when the PWHL announced the six-round draft order.
By acquiring Knight, one of the most decorated players in women’s hockey, Detroit gave up a valuable draft position in a class rich with top talent, including five U.S. gold medalists from the Milan Cortina Games.
Vancouver holds the first pick, followed by Seattle and Las Vegas. The consensus top three prospects are Wisconsin teammates Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards, and Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy. U.S. Olympians Tessa Janecke (Penn State) and Kirsten Simms (Wisconsin) are projected to complete the top five selections.
“Having two picks in the first round of such an incredibly skilled draft class provides us the opportunity to add two players who will make an immediate and lasting impact on our team,” Las Vegas GM Dominique DiDia said.
Deal Details
This marks Knight’s second consecutive offseason changing teams after Seattle left her unprotected. She played her first two PWHL seasons with Boston before joining the expansion Torrent last year.
A longtime leader in U.S. women’s hockey, Knight won her second Olympic gold medal in February. Although she said the Milan Cortina Olympics would be her last, Knight intends to continue her professional career.
Knight recorded five goals and 14 points in 22 games with Seattle last season despite missing the final two months due to a lower-body injury. The previous year, she tied for the league lead with 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists).
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Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
