There are very few PWHL bluelines that will be as strong as last season. The four expansion teams did their best to build a foundation, and the existing eight looked to recoup. Who did the best? We grade each of the PWHL's bluelines heading into the 2026-27 PWHL season.
I’m certain that a defensive downgrade for the team that conceded the most goals last year will go great for us
Seattle Torrent: C
Seattle lost more than they got back watching Cayla Barnes, Megan Carter, and Mariah Keopple leave. Sydney Morrow could actually be an upgrade as she can play a physical style like Carter, and could potentially generate more offense than Barnes. Offensive production from the blueline was a significant issue last season, but a full campaign from Aneta Tejralova, and extra time for Anna Wilgren could help there. Still, there's not much flash, nor is there a defender who is considered among the best in the world on Seattle's roster. Gracie Gilkyson was an analytics dream collegiately, and depending on how her transition to pro goes, she could be a surprise boost. In Seattle last season, it wasn't about who they had, it was about how they mixed, which last year was like oil and water. This year, the blend is different, and Seattle will hope their results, from the crease out, follow.
In: Noemi Neubauerova, Sydney Morrow, Gracie Gilkyson
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