Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Erin Ambrose, all prominent players and Olympians, have been put on long-term injured reserve by their respective Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) teams after injuries sustained during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. These roster moves reflect the ongoing impact of the Milan Cortina Games on team lineups as the PWHL season continues.
Hilary Knight’s Injury and Outlook with Seattle Torrent
Hilary Knight, the United States team captain and five-time Olympian who secured a gold medal in Milan, will remain sidelined indefinitely due to a lower-body injury. Her club, the Seattle Torrent, announced this decision on Friday. Knight contributed significantly at the Olympics, tallying three goals and three assists, including a crucial goal in the 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the final match. In the current PWHL season, she has recorded three goals and seven assists.
Meghan Turner, general manager of the Seattle Torrent, emphasized the team’s patient approach:
“While we’re eager to be at full strength and recognize the anticipation of Hilary’s return, we’re focused on putting her and our team in the best position for a playoff push,”
she said.
Kendall Coyne Schofield’s Recovery Journey with Minnesota Frost
Kendall Coyne Schofield, captain of the Minnesota Frost, was placed on long-term injured reserve as of February 19 due to an upper-body injury suffered during the Olympic competition. Coyne Schofield scored three goals for Team USA in Milan, showcasing her offensive impact. Minnesota Frost’s general manager, Melissa Caruso, praised the efforts of their Olympians and reaffirmed the team’s commitment to Coyne Schofield’s recovery.
Caruso remarked,
“I am incredibly proud of all our Frost Olympians who demonstrated true excellence on the world stage,”
and added,
“We are fully committed to supporting Kendall throughout her recovery, and our medical team will be working diligently to help her prepare for her return to the ice.”
Erin Ambrose’s Status with Montreal Victoire
The Montreal Victoire announced that defender Erin Ambrose has also been assigned to long-term injured reserve, effective retroactively to February 19, following a lower-body injury sustained while representing Canada in the Olympic final. Ambrose recorded two assists during the Games. Additionally, Victoire captain and Canadian team leader Marie-Philip Poulin has been held out of play as day-to-day with an injury related to the Olympics.
Daniele Sauvageau, general manager of Montreal Victoire, expressed confidence about the current health status of their Olympic participants:
“We are confident that they will be back in the lineup in the near future.”
Significance of the Injuries for the PWHL Season
The placement of Knight, Coyne Schofield, and Ambrose on long-term injured reserve underscores the physical toll of international competition on top professional players. Their absences will challenge their teams as the PWHL season approaches critical playoff milestones. However, statements from team leadership highlight a thoughtful and supportive approach focused on long-term health and successful returns.
As these players undergo recovery, their teams must adapt strategies while anticipating the eventual return of key talent that helped shape the recent Olympic successes. Monitoring their progress will remain important for fans and analysts following the ongoing developments within the PWHL.
