The 2024-25 NHL regular season has concluded, leading to an offseason of reflection for nine eliminated teams. Each team will evaluate their performance, assessing failures and successes while strategizing for free agency, trades, and the upcoming draft.

The New Jersey Devils showed resilience despite injuries and the absence of star Jack Hughes, bolstered by strong performances from Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. In contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets made strides but struggled with goaltending and injuries. The Calgary Flames improved their identity but faced offensive challenges, while the Anaheim Ducks' youth showed promise, highlighted by Luka Dostal's goaltending.

Other teams like the Boston Bruins embraced a rebuild, trading assets for future potential but suffered a disappointing season. The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to snap their long playoff drought, while the Chicago Blackhawks are rebuilding around young talent. The Detroit Red Wings are seeking consistency to end their playoff absence, while the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders need to reassess their roster dynamics in preparation for a more competitive future.

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding to Seattle, set to commence play in the 2025-26 season. This new franchise will host games at Climate Pledge Arena and will be known as PWHL Seattle until a permanent branding is established.

Emerald Green and Cream are the team's colors, marking the league's growth to the Pacific Northwest. Seattle joins Vancouver, enhancing regional rivalries. The decision, following a thorough RFP process, reflects the league's strategic growth vision, bolstered by enthusiastic local support.

With grassroots initiatives, the PWHL aims to connect deeply with the Seattle community. The team will join the single-entity ownership of The Walter Group and further details on its integration into the league will come ahead of the 2025 PWHL Draft.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding to Seattle, launching a new team for the 2025-26 season. Home games will be held at Climate Pledge Arena, with training at the Kraken Community Iceplex. The team's primary and secondary colors will be emerald green and cream, respectively, until a permanent branding is established.

Seattle is seen as an ideal location for PWHL's growth, bolstered by its excellent facilities, thriving youth hockey scene, and enthusiastic women’s sports fans. The city showcased its excitement at the PWHL Takeover Tour, attracting over 12,000 fans. This expansion not only enhances the league's visibility but also sets the stage for fierce rivalries, particularly with Vancouver. Collaborating with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken provides a solid foundation for the new team to cultivate its local presence through various grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering the sport in the community.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced its expansion to Seattle, joining Vancouver as the new teams for the upcoming season. This expansion reflects a strategic move to tap into the growing interest in women's hockey in major markets. The Seattle team will play at Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL's Kraken, and will share facilities with the Kraken Community Iceplex. This addition brings the league to eight teams, with plans for further growth.

With support from the Kraken organization and a strong local sports culture, Seattle is poised to make a significant impact. The league's leadership emphasizes its commitment to sustainable growth and the development of women's hockey in both the U.S. and Canada, highlighting the importance of media reach and local infrastructure in the selection process. As the league prepares for its next phase, fans can expect exciting developments including an expansion draft and integration into the upcoming draft.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) expands with the addition of Seattle, joining Vancouver as its new franchises. This development solidifies the league's presence in the West Coast market. Executive VP Jayna Hefford emphasized the independent viability of both cities in terms of market size and facilities.

Seattle's team will utilize the Climate Pledge Arena, already hosting the NHL's Kraken, indicating a strong infrastructure to support the new franchise. The PWHL is gearing up for a playoff season with its original six teams while planning a robust growth strategy. The upcoming integration of these expansion teams into the league is a significant milestone for women's professional hockey.