PWHL Minnesota signs Natalie Buchbinder to two-year contract

The PWHL’s Minnesota franchise signed defender Natalie Buchbinder to a two-year contract, the team announced on Monday.

“I’m so grateful and excited to be a member of the PWHL Minnesota organization,” said Buchbinder. “I’m looking forward to playing in such an amazing hockey market and to continue working with these great players and staff.”

Buchbinder won three NCAA National Championships with the University of Wisconsin, most recently in 2022-23, where she recorded 15 assists in 24 games. In five seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, Buchbinder scored four goals and 50 assists for 54 points in 154 career games.

Buchbinder scored a career-high 16 points in 2019-20, with a goal and 15 assists. She recorded a career-high plus/minus of plus-30 in 2018-19.

Head coach Charlie Burggraf hopes Buchbinder can continue her success with the club.

“Natalie is a solid defensive-minded player who is also an excellent playmaker,” said Burggraf in a statement.

The product of Fairport, N.Y. was part of the U.S. National team in the first leg of their Rivalry Series against Team Canada.

Buchbinder played five games for the U.S. U18 squad in 2017, helping them take home gold. She was also on the senior team roster when they were awarded silver at the 2021 World Championships.

The 24-year-old was drafted in the seventh round by Minnesota in last September’s PWHL Draft.

Minnesota have already signed a number of players, including Kendall Coyne Schofield, Grace Zumwinkle, Taylor Heise, Nicole Hensley and Maggie Flaherty.

The regular season is expected to kick off sometime in January 2024.