PWHL Toronto general manager Gina Kingsbury does not have a timeline for Natalie Spooner’s return from surgery and does not expect her to be ready for the start of next season.
In Game 3 of Toronto’s best-of-five semifinal against Minnesota last season, the 33-year-old collided with Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle and fell into the boards. Two days later, she was placed on the long-term injured reserve with a knee injury.
“We’re preparing for this draft and free agency in the event that she will not be ready to start the season with us,” Kingsbury said. “If she does, great. If not, we want to make sure we’re doing our due diligence to equip our team with the players that will allow us to be successful in her absence.”
Spooner shared a photo of her smiling in a knee brace alongside a caption thanking her medical team for their efforts.
“I want to thank my entire medical and surgical team for their hard work and care. Surgery went great last week and I’m now on the road to recovery, and I’m determined to be back even stronger than before!” she wrote.
“Thank you everyone for your messages and well wishes. I can’t wait to hit the ice with the ladies again and represent the great city of Toronto next season!”
Spooner led the league with 27 points (20 goals and seven assists) in 24 games this season. Her seven power-play goals were more than double the next-highest total. The Scarborough, Ont, native also had the most shots on goal with 101.
In May, Spooner was named a finalist for both the PWHL’s 2024 Forward of the Year and the inaugural Billie Jean King MVP award. The winners will be announced later in June.