Detroit’s new PWHL expansion roster is set to add Hilary Knight through a sign-and-trade with Las Vegas, with Knight initially signing a foundational contract in Vegas before being moved to Detroit for a first-round pick next week.

Knight wasn’t eager to play for Las Vegas, and her longstanding commitment to Detroit helped influence other Detroit signings from Seattle, such as Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes.

Knight, who previously played for Boston and then Seattle, joins Detroit alongside other U.S. gold medalists and a newly hired coach Josh Sciba, under GM Manon Rheaume as the team builds for the expansion phase.

Knight’s signing follows Detroit’s recent commitment to Toronto forward Jesse Compher on a three-year deal, part of the club’s broader roster-building ahead of competition in the league’s expansion period.

The trade marks a major milestone in Knight’s career and coincides with personal news of her engagement to Brittany Bowe, underscoring a storied history of Olympic and world championship success.

Knight played for the Seattle Torrent last season but was unprotected by Seattle; Detroit will acquire her once the trade closes.

The expansion friction centers on the PWHL Expansion Franchise Offer process, with Knight assigned to Las Vegas despite signals of commitment to Detroit, creating a timing dispute between the two teams.

Sources say Knight may have been Detroit’s top EFO choice, and her commitment could have affected how EFO rankings were applied, a detail the league has not publicly disclosed.

Detroit will host an awards show on June 17 where draft-related activities and PWHL business will unfold, including the league’s draft at the Fox Theatre.

Knight’s career tally includes two Olympic golds, three silvers, ten World Championship golds, and single-season records for goals (67), assists (53), and points (120) at Worlds, with 54 PWHL points in 76 games to date.

Last season Knight scored five goals and 14 points in 22 games, missing the final two months due to injury; she previously tied for the league lead with 29 points in a prior season.

At 36, Knight is a five-time U.S. Olympian who recently captained Team USA to gold at Milan Cortina, including a critical overtime goal in the final.