By: Alexis Caines | Follow me on Twitter/X @alexiscaines_
It’s been a hectic few weeks in the Professional Women’s Hockey League as the four expansion teams begin to lay their foundations. Existing teams have now protected six players each. The final phase will commence from June 16th to June 18th. On the Wednesday in between, Detroit will host the 2026 PWHL Entry Draft, which will feature six selection rounds.
Currently, the Boston Fleet have six members confirmed to their 2026-27 roster: Aerin Frankel, Megan Keller, Haley Winn, Susanna Tapani, Shay Maloney and Abby Newhook. On the flip side, they have lost Alina Müller (Hamilton), Hadley Hartmetz (San Jose), and Zoe Boyd (Hamilton).
The second round of protections notably left out Jessie Eldridge. It’s unknown why she was not one of the three; contract negotiations could still be ongoing or she could be looking to move on from Boston. Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News has reported that the Montréal Victoire are interested in Eldridge.
During the 2025 PWHL Expansion Process, Shay Maloney was given Boston’s fourth and final protection slot. Her protection this year follows that closely. Getting Susanna Tapani re-signed was a big priority for the Fleet in the absence of Alina Müller. The Finnish center has been a highlight on Boston’s offense for her three seasons.
Potentially the biggest relief however, was holding on to Abby Newhook. As a rookie this past season, she soared for the Fleet, slotting in where they needed her most. She put up seven goals and seven assists in her 29 games played. Most impressively, she wasn’t on the ice for a single 5-on-5 goal during the regular season.
As of Sunday, June 14th, the PWHL has still not released the selection order for Wednesday’s draft. All we know is that the Vancouver Goldeneyes will select first overall. For Boston and all the rest, it makes it harder to scout without knowing where they will be landing. But the 2026 Draft Class is filled with elite talent across all six rounds.
With two defenders lost in expansion, the Fleet will likely look to build up the blueline behind Winn and Keller. The “free agency” period will open on Tuesday, and they can also select up to six times during the draft.
The following week will give a clearer look as to what the Training Camp Roster will look like, but for now, Frankel, Winn, Keller, Tapani, Maloney, and Newhook are anchored in Boston.
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