The New York Sirens gave their fan base a shock on Tuesday.
The PWHL has revealed the names of 18 players — with three from each of the initial six teams — who have been safeguarded from selection during the exclusive signing phase and the expansion draft, organized for the new Seattle and Vancouver teams joining the league in the 2025-26 season.
For their selections, the Sirens chose forward Sarah Fillier, defenseman Ella Shelton, and defenseman Micah Zandee-Hart, surprisingly leaving Alex Carpenter without protection.
Hailing from Massachusetts, Alex Carpenter collected 23 points last season, ranking her 13th in the league. She also secured the third spot on the Sirens in terms of goals scored (11), following her teammates Jessie Eldridge (9) and newcomer Fillier (13).
Carpenter, 31, has been a stalwart for the Sirens for the past two seasons. The forward has an 18.6 shooting percentage, which is more than double from the previous season.
In 2024, she was also named to the IIHF Women’s World Championship All-Star Team, and was recognized as the best forward, leading the tournament in goals (6) and points (10).
Carpenter also earned a silver medal at both the 2014 and 2022 Winter Olympics with Team USA.
The Sirens still could make a move for Carpenter.
After an inaugural team has lost two players through either the exclusive signing window or the expansion draft, the team is able to protect one additional player.
The fourth protected player must either be under contract for the 2025-26 season or the team must hold their playing rights through the 2025-26 season.
Carpenter just completed the second year of a three-year contract.
Other players that would be eligible for the Sirens to protect are Eldridge (F), Lauren Bernard (D), Jaime Bourbonnais (D), Emmy Fecteau (F), Elle Hartje (F), Paetyn Levis (F), Maja Nylén Persson (D), Kayle Osborne (G), Abby Roque (F), Gabby Rosenthal (F), Corinne Schroeder (G), Allyson Simpson (D), and Noora Tulus (F).
season. Noah K. Murray / New York Post
The exclusive signing window begins June 4 and runs through June 8.
The expansion draft will take place on June 9.
