PWHL Seattle Signs Hilary Knight

In their first signing in the exclusive expansion window, PWHL Seattle announced late Wednesday evening they’ve agreed to terms with forward Hilary Knight. The contract is for one year, and moves the now-former captain of the Boston Fleet from the East Coast to the West. 

Knight, 35, has had a historic career to this point. A 10-time World Champion with the United States, in two seasons with the Fleet she amassed 40 points across 54 regular season games. This past season she finished as the co-leader in scoring across the entire PWHL, with 15 goals and 29 points in 30 games, and is currently nominated for a host of awards including the Billie Jean King MVP Award. 

Alongside her 10 World Championship golds, Knight has an additional five silver medals, an Olympic gold medal from 2018, and three Olympic silver medals. In 2023 she was named the IIHF Female Player of the Year, and is currently the all-time leader in points at the World Championships with 120 in 87 games played. 

“Signing Hilary Knight was an absolute no-brainer — she’s the heartbeat of any team she joins,” said Meghan Turner, the general manager for PWHL Seattle. “Her proven leadership and drive, the way she elevates everyone around her, those are qualities you can’t teach.”

Originally from Sun Valley, Idaho, Knight was one of the first three players to sign in Boston before the inaugural PWHL season. As captain, she helped lead the team to the Walter Cup Final in 2024. The Fleet opted to expose Knight in the expansion draft this week, instead protecting netminder Aerin Frankel, defender Megan Keller, and forward Alina Müller. 

“To my teammates, the staff, and the fans of Boston — thank you,” Knight said. “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.”

The signing is the first for PWHL Seattle, after Vancouver already made a few deals following the signing window opening early Wednesday. The window will remain open until Sunday, June 8 at 5 p.m. EST, with the official expansion draft to take place on Monday the 9 at 8:30 p.m. EST. Both teams are only able to sign five players each in the signing window.