Frost Lock Down Core Ahead of Expansion and Draft
Minnesota vs Toronto, playoff game 3, on May 13th 2024 at Xcel Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota (photo credit John McClellan)
Written By Gina Anton
The Minnesota Frost aren't waiting around to see what expansion takes from them.
With the Professional Women's Hockey League's expansion process entering a critical stage, Minnesota made its intentions clear Thursday, signing defender Lee Stecklein to a two-year extension through 2027-28 and forward Grace Zumwinkle to a three-year deal through 2028-29.
The deals do more than reward two cornerstone players. They help ensure Minnesota retains a pair of key contributors as the league prepares for expansion ahead of the 2026-27 season.
For a team chasing their third Walter Cup, the moves signal a commitment to continuity. They also reveal what Minnesota values most as new franchises prepare to build their rosters: leadership, elite talent, and proven winners.
Stecklein enters her new deal following the most productive offensive season of her PWHL career, recording 14 points in 28 games, including a career-high 13 assists. Yet her value extends well beyond the scoresheet.
One of Minnesota's original foundational signings, Stecklein has served as an alternate captain and steady presence on the blue line throughout the franchise's rise. The 32-year-old has totaled 31 regular-season points and 13 playoff points while helping the Frost capture back-to-back Walter Cup championships.
The decision to prioritize Stecklein was about more than production. Her experience, leadership, and ability to play in every situation make her one of the league's most reliable defenders and a player Minnesota simply couldn't afford to lose.
If Stecklein provides stability, Zumwinkle brings offensive firepower.
The Excelsior native is coming off a career-best season in which she recorded 23 points in 29 games, including 13 goals, tied for fourth-most in the league. Since being selected 13th overall in the inaugural PWHL Draft, Zumwinkle has developed into one of the faces of the franchise, totaling 52 points in 75 career games while helping lead Minnesota to consecutive championships.
Protecting Zumwinkle was an equally straightforward decision. At 27, she is entering her prime and has established herself as one of the PWHL's most dangerous scoring threats. Her combination of production, age, and long-term upside makes her a foundational piece of Minnesota's future.
The signings build on earlier moves that saw the Frost secure Taylor Heise and Kelly Pannek to long-term contracts while protecting goaltender Maddie Rooney.
As expansion reshapes the league, Minnesota's biggest victory this offseason may be keeping two pillars of its championship core exactly where they are.
