Former Fifth Overall Pick Joins Expansion Team Ahead of 2025-26 Season
SEATTLE, WA – PWHL Seattle has officially signed defender Cayla Barnes to a three-year contract, securing the talented blue-liner through the 2027-28 season. Barnes, who spent her rookie campaign with the Montréal Victoire, becomes the third player to join Seattle’s expansion roster ahead of its inaugural season.
Seattle Adds a Dynamic Defensive Presence
Seattle General Manager Meghan Turner emphasized Barnes’ impact, stating:
“Adding Cayla is a big step for our team. She’s a dynamic defender who moves the puck well and consistently contributes offensively. Even as a rookie last season, she played with the poise and presence of a veteran, and we see her playing a key role on our blue line.”
Barnes’ Impressive Career
Barnes was selected fifth overall by Montréal in the 2024 PWHL Draft, quickly establishing herself as one of the league’s top young defenders. Her standout season included:
- Tying for the Victoire lead in defensive scoring with 13 points (2G, 11A) in 30 games.
- Ranking fifth among all PWHL rookies in total points.
- Representing Team USA in six Women’s World Championships, earning three gold medals (2019, 2023, 2025) and three silver (2021, 2022, 2024).
- Winning an NCAA National Championship with Ohio State University in 2024.
- Recording 111 points (31G, 80A) in 170 career NCAA games, including a career-high 36 points in her final collegiate season.
Barnes also played in the PWHL Takeover Tour game in Seattle on January 5, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena, where she contributed an assist.
Excited for a New Chapter in Seattle
Barnes shared her enthusiasm for joining Seattle, stating:
“I am thrilled and thankful for this opportunity to join PWHL Seattle in its inaugural season. The passion for women’s hockey has proven that Seattle is truly a hockey town, and I can’t wait to get started. I want to thank the Montréal Victoire for drafting me into this league and giving me the chance to play in such a historic city. Playing for the Victoire will always be a special chapter in my career. I am excited to return to the West Coast and get to know the fans, the city, and Seattle’s hockey community!”
Seattle’s Expansion Roster Takes Shape
Barnes is the first defender to join Seattle’s lineup, alongside:
- Hilary Knight (forward)
- Danielle Serdachny (forward)
Expansion teams can sign up to five players during their Exclusive Signing Window, which closes on Sunday, June 8 at 5 p.m. ET.
Next Steps – 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft
The 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft, presented by Upper Deck, is scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT. Fans can watch live via thepwhl.com and the league’s YouTube channel, where Seattle and Vancouver will each select at least seven additional players to complete their 12-player roster minimum.
