Is Maya Labad's Contract the Way Forward?

The PWHL has continued to grow since its inaugural season, now with double the teams and double the talent, however, there isn’t room for everyone. In the NHL and other pro leagues they have farm teams that allow talent to develop, give players a slower return from injury, and a wide selection of callups, however since the PWHL is still new they haven’t built the system, leaving players heading overseas to compete in a wide variety of leagues. 

Recently, former Victoire forward and Walter Cup champion Maya Labad, stepped into the spotlight with a unique contract signing with Lausanne HC in Switzerland’s PFWL. The “contract includes an out clause that allows her to attend Las Vegas’ training camp. If she doesn’t earn a PWHL contract, she’ll return to Lausanne for the remainder of the season,” Pat Laprade reported. 

This is a first of its kind contract in the women’s league, but may also be the path forward. If the PWHL could form partnerships overseas with these leagues to act as their development pipeline. The European seasons typically begin earlier than the PWHL allowing depth players valuable ice-time to prepare for PWHL camps. 

We’ve seen in the PWHL them break the season for international competitions; IIHF Women’s World Championship, Rivalry Series, and Olympics, which leaves an interesting question if the Euro leagues could develop a league break to allow players to participate in PWHL training camps before resuming their season. With no current public talks of a farm or development system this could be the path forward benefitting all leagues as the PWHL would have access to international talent that may have been passed over in the draft, while the Euro leagues can scout talent that will be available after roster cuts are made, for player replacements or reinforcements. 

With the current pathway in women’s hockey jumping from college to the pros, is a partnership between the Euros and the PWHL the short-term solution for developing players and creating more opportunities for playing careers to continue?