Initial Player Protection Mechanics

Each of the league’s six established franchises—Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, New York, and Minnesota—has been given the opportunity to protect three players from selection during the upcoming draft and pre-draft signing period. This protection is limited to players who are currently under contract or are under team control until at least 2026.

Adjustments After Player Losses

In the event that a team loses two players, either through the signing window or during the draft itself, general managers will be allowed to expand their protected list to four players. This adjustment allows teams to further safeguard key members of their rosters.

Expansion Teams and Draft Details

Vancouver and Seattle, the league’s newest franchises, will each select seven players from the pool of unprotected athletes. The specific order for the draft has not yet been disclosed; it will be revealed at the beginning of the broadcast covering the draft event.

Impact on Current Rosters

Throughout this roster-building phase, each existing team will ultimately lose a total of four players from their 2024-25 rosters. The signed contracts will yield 14 new selections from the following teams:

• Boston: 3 players
• Toronto: 3 players
• Minnesota: 2 players
• Montreal: 2 players
• New York: 2 players
• Ottawa: 2 players

Eligibility Exclusions

Notably, free agents such as Natalie Spooner, Tereza Vanišová, Michela Cava, Susanna Tapani, and Jesse Compher are excluded from selection in the draft.