Ottawa Charge leading scorer Tereza Vanišová expected to sign with PWHL Vancouver

Tereza Vanisova of the Ottawa Charge. Photo by Troy Parla /Getty ImagesArticle content

Considered by GM Mike Hirshfeld as a “top priority” to re-sign back in May, Ottawa Charge leading goal scorer Tereza Vanišová is expected to join PWHL Vancouver after the first day of the league’s free agency window, according to Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

The 29 year old’s talents have been in great demand after tying with the Boston Fleet’s Hilary Knight for second in league scoring this season with 15 markers. Only the Montreal Victoire’s Marie-Philip Poulin scored more (19).

Article content

PWHL Vancouver, which already has assembled a top contender through the expansion process, appears to have emerged as the winner of the sweepstakes after GM Cara Gardner Morey said following the expansion draft that the team would still be looking for top-six forwards in free agency.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

“We’re going to look for a couple more … top-six forwards in free-agency period and see who we might lure to Vancouver and who wants to be a part of this amazing team because I think we have the building blocks in place,” she said.

Article content

Vanišová was a masterclass acquisition by Hirshfeld last season, brought in from Montreal in a deal that saw bottom-pairing defender Amanda Boulier go the other way — an upgrade from blueline depth to a top-line, two-way winger.

Article content

In addition to leading the offensive charge, Vanišová brought a physical edge to Ottawa, racking up a league-leading 38 penalty minutes this season. That included the PWHL’s first-ever fight with Boston’s Jill Saulnier in February.

Article content

The subtraction would leave a gaping hole in Ottawa’s forward group, as she was the only Charge player to hit double-digits in goals (Emily Clark scored nine). Vanišová also became the first PWHL player to record multiple hat tricks in a season.

Article content

In the team’s recent playoff run, she put up four points in eight games, scoring in Game 4 of the final against the Minnesota Frost.

Article content

As a pending free agent, Vanišová was exempt from the expansion draft process, making her the top available free agent by most accounts.

Article content

“I’m kind of happy that I don’t have to go to the expansion draft, to be honest, because I can decide on my own future,” she told Postmedia in May. “So that’s kind of nice.”

Article content

Coincidentally, this would be the second straight off-season in which the Charge has lost its leading goal scorer. Last year, Daryl Watts netted 10 goals before joining the Toronto Sceptres in free agency.