Detroit general manager Manon Rhéaume wasted little time in beginning to stock her PWHL expansion team by signing four players Friday, including forward Daryl Watts landing the league's first four-year contract.
Also, Charge captain Brianne Jenner is leaving Ottawa after three seasons by signing a three-year standard agreement with the new team in Hamilton, Ontario. The 35-year-old Jenner's departure was anticipated as the four-time Canadian Olympian moves closer to her hometown of Oakville. Hamilton also signed New York goalie Kayle Osborne to three-year standard agreement.
The moves came on the first day of the league's three-day expansion signing process in which each of the four new teams can sign five players.
With San Jose signing Seattle goalie Corinne Schroeder and Ottawa defender Rory Guilday to two-year standard agreements late Friday, Las Vegas remains the only expansion team yet to add a player.
Watts' addition in Detroit was particularly notable in landing what's called an Expansion Foundational Offer, guaranteeing her an annual salary of no less than $100,000. Under league rules, Watts chose the maximum term of four years, which the PWHL introduced as part of this year's expansion process.
Watts enjoys a raise over her $59,000 salary in Toronto last year. Sceptres general manager Gina Kingsbury on Thursday said she was closing in on re-signing Watts before she broke off negotiations.
The 27-year-old is from Toronto and led the Sceptres with 10 goals and 19 points last season. Overall, Watts ranks second on the league list with 32 career goals. She made her Olympic debut by winning a silver medal representing Canada at the Milan Cortina Games in February.
Detroit signed defender Cayla Barnes to a three-year standard agreement and forward Hannah Bilka to a two-year standard agreement. The two were teammates in Seattle, and both won Olympic gold representing the U.S. in February, with Bilka tying the tournament lead with four goals.
Seattle has now lost the maximum three players during the current expansion phase.
Detroit also signed Minnesota forward Britta Curl-Salemme to a three-year standard agreement. The 26-year-old U.S. Olympian finished third in the league last season with 29 points, including a single-season record of 18 assists.