PWHL Las Vegas has signed star goaltender Nicole Hensley to a two-year contract, running through the 2027-28 season. Hensley is the first netminder for the expansion team and the second player added to the roster, joining defender Megan Carter. The roster now includes seven players, featuring names like Hilary Knight and Erin Ambrose, although Knight is expected to be traded before the 2026 PWHL Draft. Previously, Hensley played for the Minnesota Frost, helping them secure a championship in their inaugural season.

By the Numbers
  • Nicole Hensley has a regular-season record of 21-13-4, with a 2.46 GAA and .910 save percentage across 38 games.
  • In the postseason, she has a 4-4 record, with a 1.57 GAA and .928 save percentage.
Yes, But

While Hensley has proven her capability as a starting goaltender in previous seasons, her recent performance has raised questions due to a career-worst goals-against average last season. Additionally, her former team's decision to protect her partner over her highlights potential strategic misjudgments in player protections.

State of Play
  • The current roster for Las Vegas includes key players like Hensley, Carter, Knight, and Ambrose, indicating a competitive first lineup.
  • The expansion process allows Las Vegas to add one more player, creating anticipation around their final roster construction.
What's Next

With the expansion draft concluding soon, Las Vegas will finalize its roster and may make trades, particularly concerning Hilary Knight. Observers will watch how Hensley's performance impacts the team's dynamics moving into the inaugural season.

Bottom Line

Las Vegas is building a formidable team with the signing of Hensley, but her upcoming performance will be critical in establishing the team's identity and success. The decisions made during the expansion process will significantly impact their competitiveness in the league.