Hilary Knight, a five-time U.S. Olympian and one of the most decorated figures in women’s hockey, is joining the PWHL Detroit expansion team through a sign-and-trade agreement. According to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press, Knight will first sign a foundational contract with Las Vegas before being traded to Detroit in exchange for a first-round draft pick.
How the Sign-and-Trade Deal Works
The maneuver allows Detroit to secure a star player while enabling Las Vegas to stockpile assets. Under the league’s expansion rules, Las Vegas still held an open foundational contract slot, which guarantees a minimum annual salary of $100,000, according to the AP. By signing Knight, Las Vegas fulfills one of its required expansion roster additions before executing the trade.
The transaction remains subject to the PWHL trade freeze, which is scheduled to lift on June 16, one day before the league draft. This deal marks the second time in two offseasons that Knight has moved; she previously left Boston to join the Seattle Torrent, a decision driven by a desire to be closer to her offseason home in Idaho.
Why the Move to Detroit Matters
Knight’s arrival in Detroit reunites her with coach Josh Sciba, who previously served as an assistant on the U.S. Olympic team. She joins a roster that includes U.S. gold medal-winning teammates Britta Curl-Salemme, Hannah Bilka, and Cayla Barnes. The team is led by General Manager Manon Rheaume, a pioneer in the sport who famously became the first woman to appear in an exhibition game in any of North America’s four major sports.
This transition follows a high-stakes season for Knight. She captained Team USA to a gold-medal victory at the Milan Cortina Games in February, scoring the championship game-tying goal against Canada in a 2-1 overtime win. Following that performance, she became engaged to American speedskater Brittany Bowe.
Comparing Performance and Records
Knight’s production remains a benchmark for the league. While she was sidelined for the final two months of last season with a lower-body injury, she finished with 14 points in 22 games. Her career trajectory shows high-level consistency, as she previously finished a season tied for the league lead with 29 points.
| Metric | Career Status |
|---|---|
| PWHL Career Points | 54 (12th all-time) |
| World Championship Gold Medals | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the trade become official?
The deal will be finalized when the PWHL trade freeze lifts on June 16, 2026.
What are the terms of Knight’s contract?
As a foundational player, Knight is guaranteed at least $100,000 per season, according to reports provided to the AP.
Who is leading the Detroit expansion team?
General Manager Manon Rheaume, a former goaltender and barrier-breaker in professional sports, oversees the Detroit front office.
What do you think about the shift in power for the upcoming PWHL season? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on professional hockey trades.
