The PWHL has named the Vancouver Goldeneyes’ Sophie Jaques and the Boston Fleet’s Megan Keller and Haley Winn as the three finalists for the 2026 Defender of the Year award.
The award is presented to the defender “who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season.”
Built different on the blue line.
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) May 20, 2026
Sophie Jaques, Megan Keller and Haley Winn have been named the finalists for the 2026 PWHl Defender of the Year Award. This award is presented to the defender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular… pic.twitter.com/4FAjeoOpNU
Jaques, who signed a three-year deal with the expansion Goldeneyes after being left unprotected by the Minnesota Frost, was second among defenders in scoring this season with 20 points in 30 games. The 25-year-old is the first defender in league history to lead her team in scoring and is the first to be a finalist for the award in consecutive seasons.
In Boston, Keller scored seven goals with a career-high 22 points to lead all defenders in scoring. A finalist in 2024, the Fleet captain averaged 26:40 of ice time per game this season.
Winn, the second-overall pick in 2025, tied for the rookie defensive scoring lead with five goals and 19 points this season. She led all PWHL players in average ice time at 26:45 per game.
Renata Fast of the Toronto Sceptres took home the PWHL Defender of the Year award last season.
