The Toronto Sceptres are locking up their future.
Rookie forward Kirsten Simms has agreed to a three-year deal with the Sceptres, the team announced on Thursday.
As the eighth overall pick in the 2026 draft, Simms marks a new era of young talent on a team that is desperate for improvement, especially in the scoring department. Simms fell in the draft, making the 22-year-old University of Wisconsin alumni a steal for a team that lost many key players over the expansion process.
In her senior year as a Badger, Simms contributed 59 points (26 goals and 33 assists) in 31 games.
“We’re really excited to have Kirsten commit to Toronto for the next three seasons,” Sceptres general manager Gina Kingsbury said in a statement. “She brings offensive skill and creativity to our lineup, and we believe there’s a lot of upside to her game. Having her here for three years gives us the opportunity to build together, and we’re excited about the impact she can make on our team and in the Toronto market.”
The three-time NCAA national champion was also part of Team USA's gold medal squad at Milano Cortina 2026. Simms has two international silver medals on top of that from the IIHF Women's World Championships in 2024 and 2025
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Toronto Sceptres. Toronto is the best hockey market in the world, and having the opportunity to play in front of such passionate fans is something really special,” Simms said in a statement.