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Daryl Watts' absence from Canada's national team the last several seasons was not due to her skill. She belonged all along.
When Watts finished her NCAA career, a stretch that included winning the Patty Kazmaier Award, she retired.
Thankfully for Canada, the PHF's Toronto Six pulled her out of retirement signing Watts to a $150,000 contract. While she's making less than a quarter of that in the PWHL, that won't always be the case as Watts has emerged as one of the world's elite scorers, and aside from Marie-Philip Poulin, Canada's top scoring threat internationally.
At the 2025 World Championships, Canada relied heavily on their top line of Jennifer Gardiner, Marie-Philip Poulin, and Laura Stacey. Beyond this trio, the only consistent threat for Canada was Watts.
She showed her dynamic abilities scoring four goals heading into the gold medal game, and dazzling with her tenacity and puck skills.
It's only fitting to discuss Watts in the same breath as Poulin this season when it comes to Team Canada, because professionally in the PWHL, they're also in a class of their own. Through two seasons, Poulin sits atop the PWHL all-time scoring chart. Directly behind her is Daryl Watts.
While her role has grown, she may not be available for Canada's gold medal defence after being handed a five minute major and a game misconduct in the semi-finals.
With Canada seeing some of their core including Natalie Spooner and Brianne Jenner begin to show their age, the infusion of a player of Watts' calibre is a game changer heading toward the 2026 Olympic Games.
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