Emma Maltais looks ahead to PWHL season in excitement for new opportunity in Toronto

Emma Maltais is excited about her opportunity in a new environment.

The 24-year-old forward was Toronto's second-round pick (11th overall) in the inaugural Professional Women's Hockey League draft in September. Currently on a three-year deal with Toronto, Maltais has a chance to establish herself as a pro in ways she hasn't yet with the Canadian national team.

"I'm just excited to grow in this environment and being able to grow my game at this level," the Burlington, Ont., native said Wednesday after practice. "In college, I had, obviously, a different role than I did with the national team.

"So this is kind of that middle ground where I can grow into hopefully getting more opportunities with the national [team] and also at this level just creating a different identity for myself."

WATCH | Maltais drafted by PWHL Toronto:

Maltais closed her time in the NCAA earlier this year as the Ohio State Buckeyes' all-time leader in both assists (140) and points (206) across 169 games in a standout five-year career.

She also holds the school's single-season assists record (40) and is tied for the single-season points record (59), both coming in 2019-20. Maltais was a two-time Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award top 10 finalist (2020, 2021) for top NCAA player.

However, her role on the star-studded Canadian team — which she has been with since 2021 — was more as an energy player who grinded out opponents defensively.

"With the national team it's no secret, you have to earn your playing time and I was in the position with a different role," she said. "I was just really happy to be there, I learned so much from so many of the girls and the coaches."

PWHL teams are set up to develop young talent alongside veteran stars. Maltais will be