Veteran Forward Becomes First Player to Join Expansion Team
SEATTLE, WA – PWHL Seattle has officially signed Hilary Knight to a one-year contract, securing the star forward for the team’s inaugural season. Knight, a co-winner of the 2024-25 PWHL Points Leader Award, and a finalist for the 2025 Forward of the Year and Billie Jean King MVP awards, becomes the first signing in Seattle franchise history.
Seattle Lands a Game-Changer
Seattle General Manager Meghan Turner praised Knight’s leadership, stating:
“Signing Hilary Knight was an absolute no-brainer—she’s the heartbeat of any team she joins. Her proven leadership and drive, the way she elevates everyone around her, those are qualities you can’t teach. Hilary’s not just a game-changer on the ice, she’s the kind of person who defines a culture, and we’re incredibly proud to have her as the first-ever player to join PWHL Seattle.”
Knight’s Impactful Career
Knight has captained the Boston Fleet since the league’s inception, having been one of Boston’s three original signings. Across two seasons, she:
- Tallied 40 points (21G, 19A) in 54 regular-season games.
- Led the league in scoring with 29 points (15G, 14A) in 30 games during the 2024-25 season, finishing tied for second in goals.
- Helped Boston reach the PWHL Walter Cup Finals in the league’s inaugural year.
- Played at Climate Pledge Arena during the PWHL Takeover Tour on Jan. 5, 2025, getting an early taste of her new home in Seattle.
International Excellence
Knight has represented Team USA in four consecutive Olympics, winning gold in 2018 and three silver medals. She holds:
- A record 15 IIHF Women’s World Championship appearances, earning 10 golds and five silvers.
- The all-time tournament records in goals, assists, and points.
- The most Olympic games played by a U.S. women’s hockey player.
Excited for the Next Chapter
Knight expressed gratitude and excitement for joining Seattle, stating:
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of bringing professional women’s hockey to the Pacific Northwest. Seattle holds a special place in my heart, and I’m beyond excited to join PWHL Seattle in such a storied sports city. I’m grateful to Meghan Turner for believing in me and bringing me on board as part of this new chapter. To my teammates, the staff, and the fans of Boston—thank you. The Fleet wasn’t just a team, it was home. These past two seasons were some of the most meaningful of my career, and I’ll carry those memories with me forever.”
Next Steps – 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft
Expansion teams have until Sunday, June 8 at 5 p.m. ET to sign up to five players before the 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft, presented by Upper Deck, takes place on Monday, June 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Fans can watch the live draft via thepwhl.com and the league’s YouTube channel, where Seattle and Vancouver will each select a minimum of seven players until they reach a 12-player roster minimum.
