Things are heating up for the PWHL’s two newest west coast franchises.

Player protection lists were officially locked in on Tuesday morning, with the original six teams picking three players who the two new expansion franchises cannot take. But with deep rosters across the league, that has left a whole lot of top talent unprotected.

Before next Monday’s full expansion draft, Vancouver and Seattle now have an exclusive signing window that begins early Wednesday and runs until Sunday afternoon. They can sign up to five players who are either free agents or unprotected by their current team.

Here are five players GM Gardner Morey and PWHL Vancouver should target this week during their exclusive signing window:

Signing Miller would be an absolute home run to kick things off for Gardner Morey. Not only would it be a homecoming for the North Vancouver-born skater, but she’s also coming off a breakthrough season in Toronto, finishing tied for fifth in points this season with 24 across 29 games played. Miller boasts strong special teams numbers, leading the league with 13 power play points.

The 29-year-old hit free agency this summer, meaning she can be signed in Vancouver’s exclusive window, but not taken in the expansion draft. If there’s anyone primed to grab one of Vancouver’s bigger, longer contracts, it’s Miller, who would no doubt quickly become a hometown favourite.

Taking Montreal’s 2024 second-round pick would be a big steal for PWHL Vancouver. She had five goals and 18 points in her rookie year, quickly becoming part of one of hockey’s most feared lines alongside Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey.

Hailing from Surrey, BC, Gardiner is a hometown skater who has expressed interest in playing in her native province. And at just 23 years old, she is one of the younger names Vancouver should be chasing, with a chance to lock down a possible franchise player.

In building a strong blue line, look no further than 27-year-old Claire Thompson. The Canadian defender was selected third overall by the Minnesota Frost in last year’s PWHL Entry Draft and went on to finish third in points amongst all defenders in the league this year with 18 in 30 games played. A nominee for Defender of the Year, she was a key part of the blue line that helped lead the Frost to their second Walter Cup.

She also holds the record for most points in an Olympic tournament for a defender, earning 13 with Team Canada en route to a Gold medal performance in 2022.

Thompson also played under Gardner Morey at Princeton from 2016-2020, placing her squarely on the radar of Vancouver’s GM. She was a key part of the school’s record-breaking 2019-20 team and finished her college career with 87 points in 128 games played.

Ambrose being left unprotected is yet another testament to the depth of some of the leagues’ rosters. Taken in the first round of the 2023 draft by Montreal, the 31-year-old blue liner was named PWHL Defender of the Year in 2023 and is considered to be one of the top shut-down defenders in the league.

While her offensive production recently hasn’t quite shown what she’s capable of – held without a goal this season – her hockey IQ and leadership make her an easy pick for Vancouver. The Ontario native is likely most interested in staying in Canada if she has any say in her fate.

Despite dealing with some injury issues this year, Sarah Nurse would be a huge addition for Vancouver. The 30-year-old is fast with the puck, a skilled goalscorer and playmaker, and a beloved personality in Canadian hockey overall. It’s not hard to imagine her being the face of Vancouver’s new franchise if they are able to lock her down this week.

Heading into an Olympic year, Nurse will be driven to play her best hockey this season, as she’ll try and top her tournament-leading 18 points from the 2022 Olympics. She assisted on the game-winning goal to earn the Canadian women yet another Gold medal. Of course, a player of her calibre may also demand a bigger contract, and Vancouver must consider the cap as well.

Hillary Knight, F (Boston Fleet) – The all-time leading scorer in women’s hockey, fans in Boston were shocked to see their captain left unprotected. While she’s still producing as one of the top goal scorers in the league, there’s speculation that the 35-year-old American is most interested in joining PWHL Seattle to lead the charge for the US’s newest team.

Tereza Vanišová, F (Ottawa Charge) – Now a free agent, Vanišová finished second in goals in the league last year and led Ottawa with 22 points. The 29-year-old is a dynamic, physical attacker who would be an exciting addition to Vancouver’s top six.

Cayla Barnes, D (Montreal Victoire) – Hailing from California, Barnes may be looking to get closer to home, and the 26-year-old highly-skilled skater would be a steal for whatever team can land her.

Corinne Schroeder, G (New York Sirens) – Goalies may be a lower priority for expansion teams, with a number of strong options to pick from in the expansion draft, but Schroeder is one to keep an eye on. Considered to be one of the top young goalies in the world, the 25-year-old may already be in touch with Seattle GM Meghan Turner. The two spent time together at Quinnipiac University, but as a Manitoba native, don’t count out a return to Canada for the star netminder.