New York Sirens protect key players as expansion phase begins

The New York Sirens have secured Sarah Fillier, Kristyna Kaltounkova, and Casey O’Brien in the first phase of the PWHL's expansion process, which concluded at 5 p.m. EST on June 3, 2026. General Manager Pascal Daoust made the expected decision to protect these top forwards, who contributed significantly to the team's scoring last season. Despite this strong move, the Sirens are at risk of losing players in the upcoming Phase 2 of the expansion, where unprotected players can be signed starting June 8. Kayle Osborne, the starting goalie, is among those vulnerable as New York did not protect any goaltenders in Phase 1.

• 12:37 PMYahoo Sports — Sirens Sounds: What’s next after protecting Fillier, Kaltounkova, O’Brien