PWHL Detroit Expands Roster with Britta Curl-Salemme Signing

Britta Curl-Salemme has signed a three-year standard player agreement with PWHL Detroit, marking a significant addition to the team’s roster during the league’s expansion process. Her signing follows the recent acquisitions of Daryl Watts, Hannah Bilka, and Cayla Barnes as the organization builds its core for the upcoming season.

Details of the Three-Year Agreement

The contract secures Curl-Salemme’s presence in Detroit for the next three years, according to reports from the league’s expansion developments. This move is part of a broader strategy by PWHL Detroit to assemble a competitive team through the current expansion roster distribution process. The organization has prioritized player selection as it transitions away from the traditional expansion draft format utilized in previous years.

How PWHL Detroit is Building Its Roster

PWHL Detroit’s approach to recruitment emphasizes individual player choice and long-term commitments. The team has been active in the market, securing talent through a multi-phase expansion process. Unlike earlier iterations of league growth, the current strategy allows existing teams to sign players while star athletes evaluate their options. This environment has led to a climate where players moving to new franchises, such as those joining the Motor City, are seeing significant updates to their contract terms and protections.

What Happens Next for the Expansion Teams

With the addition of Detroit, the PWHL is moving toward a 12-team structure that includes expansion into Hamilton, San Jose, and Las Vegas. Manon Rheaume has been leading the focus on expansion efforts ahead of the 2026 draft, which is slated to take place in Detroit. As the league pushes toward its targeted expansion goals, fans and analysts are closely monitoring how these roster moves will balance the competitive landscape across the league.

Key Takeaways

• New Signing: Britta Curl-Salemme signed a three-year deal with PWHL Detroit.
• Roster Growth: She joins recent high-profile signings including Daryl Watts, Hannah Bilka, and Cayla Barnes.
• Expansion Strategy: The league is moving away from a traditional expansion draft in favor of a player-choice-focused process.
• League Expansion: The PWHL is expanding to 12 teams, with new franchises in Detroit, Hamilton, San Jose, and Las Vegas.

The transition to a 12-team league represents a period of rapid growth for professional women’s hockey. As PWHL Detroit continues to finalize its roster, the focus remains on integrating veteran talent to establish a strong foundation for the 2026-27 season.