The PWHL San Jose has made a significant addition to its roster, signing forward Natálie Mlýnková to a one-year contract ahead of the team's inaugural 2026-27 season. This move comes as part of Phase 4 of the PWHL's Expansion Player Distribution Process, where each expansion team aims to secure a total of 10 players through signings and, if necessary, a player selection process. Mlýnková, a 25-year-old from Zlin, Czechia, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team. She had a productive rookie season with the Montréal Victoire, tallying 10 points (5G, 5A) in 30 regular-season contests and appearing in all nine of their postseason games. Her performance earned her a spot as one of just 10 rookies leaguewide to reach double-digit points and one of two for the Victoire. Additionally, she was one of five first-year players to register five or more goals and assists during the 2025-26 campaign. Mlýnková's international career is equally impressive, having competed in six IIHF Women's World Championships, winning two bronze medals, and two Olympic Winter Games, including the 2026 edition where she became the first Czech women's player to score three goals at a single Olympic tournament. Her college career includes four years at the University of Vermont and a fifth season as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, where she was awarded the 2024 Cammi Granato Award as Hockey East Player of the Year. In joining PWHL San Jose, Mlýnková becomes the team's fifth forward, joining forces with Anne Cherkowski, Kristin O'Neill, Maddi Wheeler, and Maggie Connors. The team has also added defenders Rory Guilday, Hadley Hartmetz, and Mariah Keopple, as well as goaltender Corinne Schroeder. This signing marks the fourth member of the league's 2025 draft class to join PWHL San Jose, alongside Guilday, Cherkowski, and Wheeler. The addition of Mlýnková further strengthens the team's depth and talent, contributing to the league's growth and the continued development of women's hockey in North America.
