PWHL Injury Update: Will Playoff Hopes Be Impacted By Injury?

TL;DR

Gabby Rosenthal of Vancouver has been placed on long-term injured reserve and will miss the rest of the PWHL season. With Vancouver likely out of playoff contention, her return this season is improbable.

Key points

Gabby Rosenthal placed on long-term injured reserve
Upper body injury will keep her out for the season
Vancouver likely to miss the playoffs
Rosenthal's return unlikely during the 2025-26 campaign

Gabby RosenthalVancouverPWHL

(Photo @ Nancy Shields)

With just over a week to go in the PWHL season, players on the long-term injured reserve list are being watched closely by team medical staff.

Without The Playoffs, The Season Is Over

Vancouver's Gabby Rosenthal was placed on LTIR with an upper Body Injury on April 14. She'll be out for the season since she is not eligible to return until May 5, and with Vancouver likely to miss the playoffs, Rosenthal is unlikely to be back in a Vancouver uniform during the 2025-26 campaign.

In Seattle, Hannah Bilka, who was injured at the Olympics, remains out for the season with an upper body injury. Following the Olympics, the Torrent dealt with injuries to a number of players, including Hilary Knight and Mikyla Grant-Mentis, who have both since returned, that contributed to their fall from the playoff race.

Teams In The Hunt

Ottawa Charge defender Brooke Hobson has been missed by the team. She was playing on Ottawa's second pairing, and has remained out since suffering an upper body injury March 24. She's eligible to return when ready, and it's believed she's nearing a return, likely in time for playoffs.

Toronto Sceptres head coach Troy Ryan gave an update on defender Allie Munroe, who is eligible to return April 22 after being placed no LTIR April 1. Originally it was believed Munroe would miss the regular season and playoffs, but according to Ryan, there's a chance Munroe could begin skating soon, and should the Sceptres make the playoffs, there's an outside chance Munroe could play.

The New York Sirens have weathered the absence of Kristyna Kaltounkova, the 2025 first overall pick. She's been out with a lower body injury since March 24. New York remains hopeful she'll be able to return in time for the playoffs, if the Sirens can get there.

New York will be without Taylor Girard, who was deemed out for the season with a knee injury on March 15. The team will also finish the season without Savannah Norcross who suffered a lower-body injury. She was placed on LTIR on April 15.

Playoff Teams Dealing With Injuries

Boston's biggest loss was defender Zoe Boyd, who tore her ACL in February and will miss the rest of the season following surgery. Boston is also without Olivia Mobley.

Q&A

What injury did Gabby Rosenthal sustain?

Gabby Rosenthal suffered an upper body injury, leading to her placement on long-term injured reserve.

When is Gabby Rosenthal eligible to return to play?

Gabby Rosenthal is not eligible to return until May 5, which is after the PWHL season ends.

How does Rosenthal's injury affect Vancouver's playoff chances?

With Rosenthal out and Vancouver likely missing the playoffs, her injury significantly impacts the team's chances for the season.

What does LTIR mean in the context of the PWHL?

LTIR stands for long-term injured reserve, which means a player is unable to participate for an extended period due to injury.