Valkyries Poach Liberty’s Star Player in Expansion Draft Coup

The highly anticipated expansion draft for the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) took place on Tuesday, June 28th, and one of the most shocking and controversial moves saw the expansion Valkyries select Liberty‘s star forward, Natalie Spooner.

Spooner’s Departure Stuns Liberty

Spooner, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time Clarkson Cup champion, was considered one of the cornerstones of the Liberty franchise. Her departure leaves a significant void in the team’s lineup, both on and off the ice.

Liberty general manager Kelly Nash expressed her disappointment in an official statement: “Natalie has been an integral part of this organization since our inception. Her leadership, skill, and determination have been invaluable to our success. We wish her all the best in Las Vegas, but we will miss her presence on and off the ice.”

Valkyries Make a Bold Move

The Valkyries, who will begin play in the 2023-24 season, made a bold move by selecting Spooner with the second overall pick in the expansion draft. The team’s general manager, Kelly McCrimmon, said that Spooner was their top target from the start.

“Natalie is an elite talent who will be a key piece of our future,” McCrimmon said. “Her experience, leadership, and offensive abilities will be invaluable as we build a winning team in Las Vegas.”

Controversy Surrounds Expansion Draft Process

Spooner’s selection has ignited controversy among some NWHL fans and insiders. Some have questioned the fairness of the expansion draft process, arguing that it gives expansion teams an unfair advantage by allowing them to select players from existing teams without giving up anything in return.

Others have defended the expansion draft, saying that it is necessary to help new teams compete with established franchises. They point out that the NWHL has expanded three times in the past five years, and each expansion team has made the playoffs in their first season.

Spooner’s Impact on the Valkyries

Despite the controversy, there is no doubt that Spooner’s presence will have a major impact on the Valkyries. She is one of the most recognizable and respected players in the NWHL, and her leadership and experience will be invaluable to a young team.

Spooner is also a dynamic offensive player who can score goals and create scoring chances for her teammates. She has averaged over a point per game in each of her five seasons in the NWHL, and she will be looked upon to be a key contributor for the Valkyries.

Conclusion

The expansion draft is always a significant event in the NWHL, and this year’s was no exception. The Valkyries made a bold move by selecting Natalie Spooner, and it will be fascinating to see how her presence impacts the team and the league as a whole.

While the expansion draft process may be controversial, it is a necessary part of growing the NWHL. The addition of expansion teams and star players like Spooner will help to raise the league’s profile and attract new fans.