Ottawa and the PWHL Off-Season: A League in Motion
Ottawa's PWHL franchise is busy reshaping its roster alongside the league's other four Canadian clubs, as a flurry of expansion signings and a landmark six-round draft have kicked the 2026 off-season into high gear.
One month removed from the end of the regular season, the picture across Canada's five PWHL teams is starting to come into focus — and for Ottawa fans, there's plenty to watch.
A Draft That Changed the Landscape
The PWHL's six-round draft marked a significant moment for the league's growth. With expansion activity running parallel to the draft, teams across the country have been reshuffling lineups and bringing in new talent. For Ottawa, that means new faces could be suiting up when pucks drop next season.
The draft process gave every Canadian team a chance to bolster depth, add youth, and address gaps left by departures or signings elsewhere. Ottawa's brass has been working through that process alongside Montreal, Toronto, Minnesota (the lone American squad among the five), and the other Canadian franchises.
Five Teams, Five Stories
Each of the five Canadian PWHL teams — Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, and others depending on expansion status — enters this off-season with distinct priorities. Some are retooling after strong playoff runs, while others are looking to climb the standings after a tough year.
For Ottawa, the city's growing passion for women's hockey has made every roster move a topic of conversation. Local fans who packed arenas and watched streams all season are paying close attention to who's coming and who's going.
What Ottawa Fans Are Watching
The expansion signing period opened up new possibilities league-wide, meaning talent that might have been locked in elsewhere is now accessible. Ottawa's front office has had a chance to be aggressive in building a competitive squad for the coming campaign.
The six-round draft also signals the PWHL's commitment to building pipeline depth — something Ottawa and every other Canadian market needs to sustain long-term growth in women's professional hockey.
The Big Picture for Women's Hockey in Canada
The PWHL's rapid rise has been one of the best sports stories in Canada over the past two years. With all five Canadian franchises now investing heavily in their rosters, the league's competitive balance looks stronger than ever heading into next season.
For Ottawa, that means an exciting summer of moves — and even more exciting hockey ahead.
Source: CBC Sports / CBC Ottawa
