PWHL Expansion Draft Predictions: Minnesota Frost

The expansion draft is looming, and with it comes some tough decisions for the general managers of the PWHL. If you need a reminder of how Seattle and Vancouver are set to build their teams, we have a handy explainer here at TIG courtesy of Michelle. It’s an interesting set of rules, with the promise to make the league’s newest franchises competitive from the jump. 

Speaking of competitive teams, the Minnesota Frost are fresh off their second consecutive Walter Cup win. Though they may be the reigning champions, the Frost aren’t immune to losing good players in the expansion draft, which makes their protection picks all the more important if they want a chance at continued success in the expanded PWHL. Here are my predictions, and a little wishful thinking, for who the Minnesota Frost will protect and let go in the expansion draft. 

Protected: Kendall Coyne Schofield (F)

Kendall Coyne Schofield is about as close to a no-brainer protection pick as the Frost has. She was one of Minnesota’s core three first signings, served as team captain for the last two seasons, and played a critical role in both Walter Cup runs on and off the ice. Coyne Schofield was the Frost’s leading goal-scorer and points-getter in 2024-25, with 12 goals and 24 points in 30 games. In the previous season, she placed second on the team in points and goals, with 16 and 6, respectively, in 24 games. She is well-regarded by teammates and staff and brings experience from multiple outings with Team USA. While it’s likely that Coyne Schofield would like to remain in the Midwest for her family, the Frost can’t afford to lose a player of her caliber and influence.

Protected: Lee Stecklein (D)

Lee Stecklein has been integral to the Frost’s defense over the last two seasons. As one of Minnesota’s alternate captains and an initial core signing, her presence and leadership are important to the team. On the ice, Stecklein is a stalwart shutdown defender for the Frost’s blueline, a role she’s honed through over a decade with the US national team. However, her MVP-caliber performance in the 2025 playoffs, including an unexpected offensive flurry of four goals and eight points in eight games, probably signals to the Minnesota front office that Stecklein is worth using a protection spot on.

Protected: Sophie Jaques (D)

The Frost’s third protection slot is perhaps the most controversial. With a vital forward and a key defender saved, should they double up on a position, or protect Nicole Hensley, the starting goaltender eligible to be selected? I argue Minnesota should ensure its strength on the blueline by protecting Sophie Jaques.

At only 24, Jaques is a young star who hasn’t hit her peak yet, but even now, she’s a strong offensive defender. She led the Frost in assists during the 2024-25 regular season with 15, and with 22 points, she tied for second on the team. Her performance was notable league-wide, too, as Jaques tied for the most points by a defender and placed second among her position for goals and assists. As fits her achievements, she was named a finalist for Defender of the Year. In my opinion, it would be silly for Minnesota to leave Jaques unprotected. Seattle and Vancouver would likely be all-in for a chance to have a player with as much talent and promise as Jaques as a franchise cornerstone.

Last One Protected: Taylor Heise (F)

Once a team has given up or “relinquished,” in the league’s terminology, two players, the team is allowed to protect one additional player after the initial three. It’s hard to predict who Seattle or Vancouver might select from the Frost, which makes picking this slot challenging, but my choice for the “last one safe” in Minnesota is Taylor Heise. 

It’s entirely likely Heise could be one of the initial three protected players, but assuming she is unprotected and still available after the expansion teams’ first two selections, the Frost should make sure to protect her. Heise was the PWHL’s first-ever first-overall pick in 2023 and subsequently proved that Minnesota made the right pick with a notable first season, culminating in her title as the 2024 playoff MVP. While her production slowed in the 2024-24 season, Heise was still tied for second on the team in assists with 14, and the addition of her eight goals was enough to be tied for second on the Frost in points, too. As a young, talented player and a known playoff performer, Heise is someone Minnesota will want to keep around.

Expansion Picks

As much as I enjoy playing armchair GM, it’s hard to know what Seattle and Vancouver’s front offices will be looking for in their first rosters. However, if I were Meghan Turner or Cara Gardner Morey, I might be taking a good look at these available free agents or players with a high likelihood of being exposed for the expansion draft.

• Michela Cava (F) - Cava is a proven scorer in the regular season, sitting near the top of the Frost’s scoring leaderboards. Her knack for coming in clutch in the postseason may make her an ideal signing target for a new team with big ambitions. 
• Grace Zumwinkle (F) - The 2024 Rookie of the Year had somewhat of an off year for her second season in the PWHL, but perhaps a move to the West Coast could reinvigorate a young, talented forward like Zumwinkle.
• Brooke McQuigge (F) - McQuigge is a consistent impact player with grit and a scoring touch. Especially with her performance in the 2025 playoffs in mind, she could make a great depth forward for Seattle or Vancouver. 
• Mellissa Channell-Watkins (D) - Channell-Watkins has been a consistent presence on the Frost’s blueline, and she's played big roles in their postseason pushes. She could be a useful, steady addition to an expansion team looking to shore up their defense corp. 
• Claire Thompson (D) - A finalist for Defender of the Year, Thompson is the kind of puck-moving defender any team would love to have. However, the likelihood of continuing her medical studies after the 2026 Olympics may have GMs questioning how long she’ll be a contributing part of their roster.