Barnes signs 3-year contract with PWHL Seattle 1e2p4b

PWHL Seattle signed defender Cayla Barnes to a three-year contract, the team announced Thursday. l662f

Barnes tallied two goals and 13 points in 30 games last season with the Montreal Victoire as a rookie, and she led the team in ice time by averaging 21:48. She was drafted fifth overall by Montreal last summer and had two years left on her contract with the Victoire.

"Adding Cayla is a big step for our team," Seattle general manager Meghan Turner said. "She's a dynamic defender who moves the puck well and consistently contributes offensively. Even as a rookie last season, she played with the poise and presence of a veteran, and we see her playing a key role on our blue line."

Though Barnes was a PWHL rookie last season, she already has a strong resume. The 26-year-old won a national championship at Ohio State in 2024, and she's a two-time Olympic medalist with Team USA, having won gold in 2018. She's also a three-time winner at the World Championship.

"I'm thrilled and thankful for this opportunity to PWHL Seattle in its inaugural season," Barnes said. "The ion for women's hockey has proven that Seattle is truly a hockey town, and I can't wait to get started."

The Eastvale, California, native is the first defender to sign with Seattle. Barnes s forwards Hilary Knight and Danielle Serdachny on the expansion team.

The PWHL's two expansion clubs, Seattle and Vancouver, have until Sunday at 5 p.m. ET to sign up to five players before Monday's expansion draft.