The Boston Fleet lost the heart and soul of the inaugural six franchise Wednesday when captain Hilary Knight signed with the PWHL expansion franchise in Seattle, the team announced.
The Billie Jean King MVP award finalist was left unprotected by the Fleet ahead of the expansion draft when Boston elected to save goaltender Aerin Frankel, defender Megan Keller and forward Alina Müller.
Knight tied for the league scoring lead last season with 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points and was named a finalist for the 2025 Forward of the Year. Despite being 35 years old, Knight has proven she still has plenty left in the tank. She became the first player to sign with Seattle ahead of the team’s inaugural campaign.
“Signing Hilary Knight was an absolute no-brainer — she’s the heartbeat of any team she joins,” Seattle general manager Meghan Turner said in a team statement. “Her proven leadership and drive, the way she elevates everyone around her, those are qualities you can’t teach. Hilary’s not just a game-changer on the ice, she’s the kind of person who defines a culture, and we’re incredibly proud to have her as the first-ever player to join PWHL Seattle.”
Story continues below advertisement
In the Fleet’s inaugural season, Knight helped lead Boston to its first Walter Cup Finals appearance. She was one of the first three players the Fleet signed before the first PWHL season. Knight has amassed 21 goals and 19 assists in 54 regular-season games across two seasons in Boston.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of bringing professional women’s hockey to the Pacific Northwest,” Knight said in a statement. “Seattle holds a special place in my heart, and I’m beyond excited to join PWHL Seattle in such a storied sports city. I’m grateful to Meghan Turner for believing in me and bringing me on board as part of this new chapter. To my teammates, the staff, and the fans of Boston — thank you. The Fleet wasn’t just a team; it was home. These past two seasons were some of the most meaningful of my career, and I’ll carry those memories with me forever.”
The Fleet will have to have one other player join PWHL Seattle or Vancouver before they can protect their fourth and final player from the expansion draft and signing window.
Presented by Bauer Hockey: Proudly supporting greatness in women’s hockey.
Story continues below advertisement
