Watts: "It's A Dream" To Return Home To Toronto

Daryl Watts was born and raised in Toronto. She played her minor hockey in the city, and in 2022-2023, made her professional debut with the PHF's Toronto Six. After a year in the PWHL with Ottawa, she's heading home again after signing a two-year deal with PWHL Toronto.

"Toronto emerged as the clear best fit for me, not just as a city because obviously it’s an incredible city and I want to be here, but hockey wise it was the best fit," Watts told media Tuesday morning. "So Friday after I signed I was just incredibly happy that it worked out like that because Friday morning I wasn’t quite sure how the day would go, but I couldn’t be happier. It’s a dream, really."

Related: Watts Lands In Toronto On A Two Year Deal

Watts finished last season with 17 points in 24 games for Ottawa and was widely considered the top free agent on the market. At Ottawa's year end press availability she made it clear she'd be testing the market, which Watts held true to. After receiving calls from multiple teams on the morning free agency opened, buy mid-afternoon Watts had a contract in place with Toronto.

“Daryl had a great season with Ottawa. She is an incredible offensive threat that has proven herself in this league," Toronto general manager Gina Kingsbury said the day of Watts' signing . "We felt adding some offence to our roster was an important piece to the puzzle. We are thrilled to have Daryl join PWHL Toronto and to have her play in front of a hometown crowd!”

PWHL Toronto also signed Emma Woods, another former member of the PHF's Toronto Six to a two-year deal this offseason.