u/Dipshit_Identifier

We haven't even hit the college draft yet, just the expansion, and the signings Manon Rhéaume and John Sciba are making are killing it. Here's a breakdown of Detroit's current roster (updated as drafting, trades, signings occur).

Current Roster

1. Daryl Watts (LW) - 4 years. Watts is the prototypical scoring winger. One of the most productive scorers in the league, managing to keep production up on a Sceptres squad that was decimated by the 2025 expansion draft. Second in all-time scoring behind Montreal phenom Marie-Philip Poulin.
2. Britta Curl-Salemme (C) - 3 years: Third in scoring in 2025-2026. Likely to be the 1C to Watts and Knight on the top line. Solid, defensive-minded, physical center who can still put pucks in the net. Comes with chemistry with Knight, Bilka, and Barnes.
3. Hilary Knight (RW) - 1 year: The GOAT. The only thing to say here is what Vegas ultimately gets from the deal. Knight will sign with Vegas and be traded when the freeze lifts on June 16 for whatever pick Detroit gets in the first round. This could be for a generational talent like Abbey Murphy or Laila Edwards, or it could be for a solid player, but never one who will become the next HK. Knight is on a one-year deal and at 36 probably won't re-sign after... unless Detroit wins the Walter, of course.
4. Hannah Bilka (F) - 2 years: Another top-six forward, led the Olympics in scoring. Never got a chance to settle in with a squad thanks to expansions but teammate Knight is on her way over. Probably going to be on the second line with Compher, rotating up to first line occasionally.
5. Jesse Compher (F) - 3 years: Middle-six forward with scoring potential who plays up to the top line. Flexible and fierce, plays physically and clogs up center ice. Excellent backchecking skills. Lots of chemistry with Watts, opposite shot, easily a deadly winger tandem. Watts and Compher accounted for a third of Toronto's scoring this year.
6. Cayla Barnes (D-R) - 3 years: Tough defender who thrives in a shooter-assist environment. Transition defensewoman who can be trusted to move the puck out of the zone. Plays the body and is hard to shake. Commands the PP and accounts for significant production as primary assist.

Remaining Timeline:

Signing/re-signing window opens June 10

Trade Freeze Ends June 16

Draft June 17, pick order 5-12 TBD