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Hilary Knight Traded to PWHL Expansion Team in Detroit

The deal is a sign-and-trade involving one of the most recognized players in women's hockey.

Hilary Knight playing for Team USA in 2017
Hilary Knight playing for Team USA in 2017      Hilary Knight    BDZ Sports / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
By Free News Press Editorial Team
Published June 9, 2026 at 1:31 AM PDT

Hilary Knight is leaving the Las Vegas franchise and heading to the PWHL's new expansion team in Detroit. The move came together as a sign-and-trade deal, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Monday.

Knight is one of the most recognized names in women's hockey. Her move to Detroit gives the expansion franchise an immediate high-profile player as it prepares to enter the league.

According to ESPN, the deal was confirmed by a source with direct knowledge of the transaction. Las Vegas and Detroit worked out the terms of the sign-and-trade, the structure of which allows Knight to formally sign with Detroit as part of the arrangement rather than as a straight roster move.

The Detroit franchise is one of the PWHL's newest additions. Acquiring Knight early gives the team a foundation to build around heading into its first season.

Toronto Dream Gap Tour 2019
Toronto Dream Gap Tour 2019      Hilary Knight    Courtney from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)