( Photo Credit: Finn Gomez / The Boston Globe )

By: Kelsea Durham | Follow me on Twitter/X @kelseadurham

With PWHL expansion set to reshape the league once again, the Boston Fleet are facing one of the biggest roster decisions in franchise history. Unlike last season’s expansion process, this year’s revamped rules eliminate the expansion draft entirely, forcing teams to think differently about how they protect their core while preparing for the possibility of losing players through negotiations. As the league prepares to add four new franchises, Boston must decide which players are untouchable, which talents may attract expansion interest, and how to balance both the present and future of the organization.

Instead of teams simply losing players through draft selection, expansion teams will now build their rosters through a negotiation process that gives players more control over where they play. Current teams will be allowed to protect three players under contract. Any unprotected players can then be contacted by expansion teams, who will create negotiation lists and begin offering contracts to players they want to sign.

For Boston, the process creates difficult decisions beyond simply protecting top talent. Expansion teams may target important depth players, while some players could also view expansion as an opportunity for a larger role, more ice time, or a fresh start elsewhere. So now the question is, who should the Boston Fleet protect?

Aerin Frankel, Goaltender

Aerin Frankel should be one of the easiest protection decisions for the Boston Fleet heading into expansion. Widely considered one of the top goaltenders in the PWHL, Frankel has consistently been the backbone of Boston’s success and gives the team stability every time she steps onto the ice. In a league where elite goaltending is difficult to find, losing a player capable of controlling games and carrying a team through high-pressure moments would be a blow. With expansion teams likely searching for franchise-caliber talent, protecting Frankel should be a top priority for Boston. 

Megan Keller, Defender

Megan Keller has established herself as the cornerstone of Boston’s blue line and one of the league’s most stand-out defenders. Playing heavy minutes in all situations, Keller contributes offensively while also serving as one of the Fleet’s most reliable defensive players. Beyond her on-ice impact, her leadership and consistency have become critical parts of Boston’s identity. Defenders like Keller are extremely difficult to replace, making her a player the Fleet simply cannot afford to lose during expansion.

Alina Müller, Forward

Alina Müller brings the type of offensive skill that expansion teams will likely prioritize heavily in negotiations. As one of Boston’s top forwards, Müller’s speed, playmaking ability, and scoring touch make her a key part of the Fleet’s offensive team. Players capable of producing offense at a high level are the most valuable assets in the league, especially for new franchises looking to build competitive rosters quickly. Protecting Müller would allow Boston to maintain an important piece of its offensive core moving forward. 

While those three may stand above the rest, the Fleet still has several important contributors they should prioritize keeping. Players such as Susanna Tapani and Haley Winn could draw in serious expansion interest. Tapani’s versatility and veteran presence would make her an ideal fit for a new franchise looking for immediate impact. In contrast, Winn’s strong rookie campaign and steady presence on the blue line could make her one of the more appealing young defenders available. 

Ultimately, the expansion process will force Boston into difficult decisions, no matter which direction the organization chooses. The Fleet likely have enough star power to protect their core pieces, but the new expansion format creates the possibility of losing valuable depth players who have helped shape the team’s identity. As the league continues to grow, Boston’s biggest challenge may not simply be protecting its stars but preserving the chemistry and depth that helped turn the Fleet into one of the PWHL’s strongest teams.