PWHL Trade Shakes Up League: Ottawa Charge and Vancouver Goldeneyes Make History
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) witnessed a historic trade on January 18, 2026, as the Ottawa Charge and the expansion Vancouver Goldeneyes completed a six-player deal, setting a new record for the most players involved in a single trade in the league’s history. This move comes just 10 days before the PWHL’s month-long Olympic break, and it’s expected to have a significant impact on the standings.
The Ottawa Charge has bolstered its roster with the addition of forward Michela Cava, who was tied for third in Vancouver with five points (one goal, four assists) in 13 games. Cava is a two-time Walter Cup champion and will be joined by fellow Minnesota Frost alumni, forward Brooke McQuigge and defender Emma Greco. McQuigge was a rookie on last year’s Frost team that clinched the title by defeating Ottawa in Game 4 of the best-of-five finals in May, while Greco won the cup with Minnesota in 2024 before playing for Boston last season.
Vancouver’s New Additions
The Vancouver Goldeneyes, on the other hand, have acquired three forwards, including rookie second-round pick Anna Shokhina, a three-time Olympian for Russia. Shokhina, 28, has had a slow start in the PWHL, with a goal and three assists in 12 games. The Goldeneyes have also added two-way forward Mannon McMahon and Anna Meixner, a member of Austria’s national team. These new additions are expected to bring grit and speed to the team, which has been struggling with a league-low 1.7 goals per outing.
“These players will make an impact at both ends of the ice,” said Vancouver GM Cara Gardner Morey. “We want to compete with grit and speed, and these players embody those qualities.” Ottawa Charge general manager Mike Hirshfeld also expressed his excitement about the trade, stating, “Michela Cava is a proven winner. We got to know her game extremely well from the PWHL Walter Cup Finals last season.”
Impact on the Standings
The Ottawa Charge, currently tied for fifth with Toronto in the eight-team standings, will look to build on their recent success, having won six straight games, including four after regulation, before a 2-1 loss to Montreal on Tuesday. The Vancouver Goldeneyes, seventh in the standings, will aim to turn their season around, having dropped three straight and going 1-4-2 in their past seven games.
The trade has sent shockwaves throughout the PWHL, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting the teams’ next moves. As the league heads into its Olympic break, one thing is certain – the Ottawa Charge and Vancouver Goldeneyes have made significant changes that will impact the rest of the season. With the addition of experienced players and the departure of others, both teams will be looking to make a strong push for the playoffs when the season resumes.
