As the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season progresses, injuries have taken their toll on various teams, forcing key players onto Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). This designation means that a player is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, often necessitating roster adjustments and temporary signings to maintain competitiveness. Below is a breakdown of the notable players currently on LTIR, their impact on their respective teams, and how franchises are responding.

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Toronto Sceptres

Sarah Nurse (Forward) – Lower-body Injury (February 10, 2025)

Sarah Nurse, a pivotal player for the Sceptres and a standout for Canada’s National Women’s Team, was placed on LTIR following an injury sustained during Game 4 of the Rivalry Series. Nurse had been instrumental for Toronto, tallying five goals and seven assists in 15 games before being sidelined.

Impact on Toronto

Nurse’s absence leaves a significant gap in Toronto’s offensive production and leadership. She was among the team’s top forwards, contributing not just in even-strength situations but also on the power play. Without her, the Sceptres have had to redistribute scoring duties among their remaining forwards, with players like Renata Fast and Natalie Spooner stepping up.

Toronto’s Response

To compensate for Nurse’s absence, Toronto signed Laura Kluge, a versatile forward from Germany, known for her two-way game and strong play along the boards. Kluge brings international experience and is expected to fill a depth role as Toronto aims to maintain its strong playoff positioning.

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Boston Fleet

Hannah Bilka (Forward) – Upper-body Injury (February 12, 2025)

Rookie forward Hannah Bilka was placed on LTIR just as she was gaining momentum in her first professional season. Known for her speed and creativity, Bilka had begun to carve out a key role in Boston’s offensive structure, contributing three goals and five assists in 14 games before suffering an upper-body injury.

Impact on Boston

Bilka’s injury removes a dynamic presence from Boston’s forward group. Her ability to generate scoring chances with her speed made her a valuable asset, particularly in transition play. Boston has been forced to adjust its forward lines, placing additional responsibilities on veterans such as Hilary Knight and Alina Müller.

Boston’s Response

To address Bilka’s absence, Boston signed veteran Jillian Dempsey to a 10-day contract. Dempsey, a respected leader in women’s hockey, brings experience and faceoff reliability to the Fleet. If she performs well, Boston may consider extending her contract to bolster depth as the playoffs approach.

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Minnesota Frost

Natalie Buchbinder (Defender) – Upper-body Injury (January 8, 2025, Retroactive Placement)

Minnesota lost key defender Natalie Buchbinder to an upper-body injury sustained in early January. As a reliable presence on the blue line, Buchbinder played a crucial shutdown role, helping anchor the Frost’s defensive unit.

Impact on Minnesota

Buchbinder’s absence has forced Minnesota to adjust its defensive pairings, leading to increased ice time for younger defenders. Her ability to break up plays in the defensive zone and contribute to the transition game is sorely missed.

Minnesota’s Response

To fill the void, Minnesota signed Charlotte Akervik to a Standard Player Agreement on February 6, 2025. Akervik, a strong puck-moving defenseman, is expected to take on a third-pairing role while Minnesota waits for Buchbinder’s return.

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League-Wide Impact of LTIR Placements

With multiple players on LTIR, teams across the PWHL have had to adjust their strategies and rosters. Injuries have forced younger players into larger roles while opening up opportunities for free agents to step in and contribute. As the season continues, the ability of teams to manage these absences will play a significant role in determining their playoff positioning.

Stay tuned for further updates as players work toward recovery and teams make additional roster moves.

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What’s Next?

• Will Boston extend Jillian Dempsey’s contract beyond 10 days?
• How will Minnesota adjust to two key defensive injuries?
• Can Toronto maintain its offensive firepower without Sarah Nurse?