Fleet Roster Coming Into Focus After PWHL Draft, Free Agency
Here's an updated look at where Boston stands heading into its third season
With the PWHL expanding to include franchises in Seattle and Vancouver, the original six teams’ rosters were turned upside down by the expansion draft and exclusive signing window.
While the two newest teams became legitimate contenders, even before playing a single game, the Boston Fleet, Ottawa Charge, Montreal Victoire, Toronto Sceptres, Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens suffered considerable losses and looked to rebuild their rosters through the draft and free agency.
Here’s a look at the players the Fleet lost and where the roster stands after the massive shakeup.
After Fleet general manager Danielle Marmer elected to protect goaltender Aerin Frankel, defender Megan Keller and forward Alina Müller with Boston’s initial protection list, it unfortunately left a slew of highly talented players up for grabs — including women’s hockey legend Hilary Knight.
And Seattle wasted no time snagging one of the league’s leading scorers in the 2025 season. Knight tied Sarah Fillier with 29 points. She registered 15 goals and 14 assists across 30 games for Boston. Marmer described not protecting Knight as the “hardest decision” of her professional career. Boston also lost forwards Hannah Bilka and Lexie Adzija to Seattle.
In addition to the three forwards, the Fleet lost five defenders from the 2025 roster. Emma Greco, Jess DiGirolamo and Sidney Morin signed with Vancouver, Montreal and Minnesota, respectively, during free agency. Sydney Bard (Vancouver) and Emily Brown (Seattle) were poached during the exclusive signing window.
To help fill the vacant roster spots, the Fleet signed six players in the first portion of free agency, which opened June 16. Boston added forwards Chloe Aurard (New York), Liz Schepers (Minnesota) and Laura Kluge (Toronto).
Aurard will be reunited with her former Husky linemate, Alina Muller, and Schepers brings her championship pedigree, having won back-to-back Walter Cup titles with the Frost to Boston.
"We’re excited to welcome Chloé back to Boston after her collegiate career at Northeastern,” Marmer said in a statement. “Every time we faced New York, it was clear how fast, physical, and relentless she is on the forecheck—constantly applying pressure and forcing turnovers. She brings a gritty, competitive edge to her game and isn’t afraid to play with a bit of bite. Chloé also offers great versatility with her skill and hockey IQ, and we’re looking forward to the impact she’ll make in our lineup."
“We are thrilled to welcome Liz to the Fleet and continue to see her game develop here in Boston,” Marmer said in a statement. “Liz has shown she is made for big moments, having scored game-winning goals in back-to-back Walter Cup clinching games. Liz is a highly intelligent and detail-oriented player who approaches the game with discipline and a strong work ethic. She is versatile and capable of contributing effectively in any role within our lineup.”
The Fleet also signed defenders Rylind MacKinnon (Toronto) and Zoe Boyd (Ottawa) and goalie Abbey Levy (New York). All players signed a one-year contract with Boston, except for Schepers, who inked a two-year deal.
Marmer also re-signed forwards Jill Saulnier and Theresa Schafzahl and defender Hadley Hartmetz to one-year Standard Player Agreements through the 2025-26 season.
Boston also made a splash on draft night, selecting six players, including the 2024-25 ECAC Player and Defender of the Year Haley Winn of Clarkson University with the second overall pick.
In addition to Winn, the Fleet added forwards Ella Huber from Minnesota, Olivia Mobley from Minnesota Duluth and Boston College's Abby Newhook; defender Riley Brengman and goaltender Amanada Thiele from Ohio State.
Aside from building the roster, Marmer must find a new coach for Boston, as Courtney Kessel has decided to leave to take over the women’s hockey program at Princeton after two seasons behind the bench.
“It is bittersweet to move on from the Boston Fleet and the amazing people building that organization and the PWHL as a whole,” Kessel said, per the Tigers. “This opportunity was the only one that could draw me away from where I was, and it is because I believe there is no better place to coach and develop student-athletes than at Princeton University. I look forward to getting to know the current team and building upon the foundation already established by wonderfully successful coaches and teams.”
Kessel led the Fleet to an overall record of 27-19-8 in their first two seasons, as well as coming up one game shy of the inaugural Walter Cup championship in 2024.
The Fleet also have an opening at assistant general manager after Meghan Turner was hired as Seattle’s GM.