Toronto Sceptres fans received mixed news on Wednesday. While the team secured key players, they also lost their leading scorer. General manager Gina Kingsbury confirmed that Daryl Watts, the team's top offensive player, will not return for the upcoming season. Watts informed Kingsbury of her decision on Monday afternoon, leaving the GM with limited time to adjust her protected list for the PWHL expansion draft.
Watts is expected to join one of the four new expansion teams, with rumors pointing to Detroit as her likely destination. This departure is a significant blow to a team that struggled offensively last season. Kingsbury acknowledged the surprise, stating that she had been confident an agreement would be reached until the last day.
Protected Players and Strategy
With Watts leaving, Kingsbury revised her three-player protected list. The team protected defenders Renata Fast and Ella Shelton, along with goaltender Raygan Kirk, who signed a contract extension on Wednesday. Fast, an assistant captain, and Shelton formed the Sceptres' top defensive pairing last season. Kirk, a young and promising goaltender, is seen as a cornerstone for the team's future.
Notably absent from the initial protected list were captain Blayre Turnbull, fan favorite Emma Maltais, and third-leading scorer Jesse Compher. However, Kingsbury expressed confidence that Turnbull would remain with the team, emphasizing her commitment to Toronto. The Sceptres will have the opportunity to protect three additional players in the next phase of expansion.
Looking Ahead: Offense and Coaching
The Sceptres face the challenge of replacing Watts' offensive production. Kingsbury highlighted the upcoming draft as a generational opportunity, with a deep pool of elite talent. However, the draft order remains uncertain, as the league has not yet determined where expansion teams will pick. Toronto was originally slated to draft fourth but could fall to eighth.
Additionally, the team is searching for a new head coach after Troy Ryan departed to become GM and head coach of the expansion San Jose club. Kingsbury indicated that a decision is expected soon.
Despite the setback, Kingsbury remains optimistic about the team's direction, emphasizing the importance of retaining key defensive players and goaltending. The Sceptres will look to rebuild their offense through the draft and internal development.
