Tue May 20 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## PWHL Expansion Rules Spark Outrage; Habs GM Faces Hypothetical Nightmare

**Montreal, QC** – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is facing backlash from fans of its original six teams after the announcement of expansion draft rules perceived as heavily favouring new franchises. Under the new rules, each established team, including Montreal’s Victoire, can only protect three players from being selected by expansion teams. They can only protect a fourth player after losing two players.

The controversial regulations have ignited a storm of debate, with fans expressing concern about the potential dismantling of their favourite teams. The rules stand in contrast to those of other professional leagues such as the NHL.

To illustrate the potential impact, consider the hypothetical scenario facing Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes if similar rules were applied to the NHL. Forced to protect only three players, Hughes would face a gut-wrenching decision. Protecting captain Nick Suzuki seems a given, but the remaining choices are fraught with risk. Should he protect the proven talent of Cole Caufield, or gamble on the potential of prospect Ivan Demidov? Exposing young stars like Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky further complicates the matter. One possible protection list of Suzuki, Demidov, and Hutson would mean losing valuable players.

For the PWHL’s Montreal Victoire, the implications are similarly dire. With a roster boasting stars like Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, Anne-Renee Desbiens, Erin Ambrose, and Cayla Barnes, the prospect of protecting only three is a painful prospect for fans.

The current outcry serves as a reminder that while NHL expansion drafts can be challenging, they could be significantly more restrictive, potentially setting teams back for years to come.

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