An unprecedented time in the WNBA is upon us. Over the next few weeks, the league will finally hold free agency for 100-plus players. Yes, you read that right: 100-plus. Free agency was put on hold while the league and Women’s National Basketball Players Association negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified by both sides in March.

Knowing that a huge payday could be on its way in 2026, all but two of the league’s veteran players agreed to contracts that would expire following the 2025 season — which means more than 80% of the league currently is not signed to a team.

That said, two major players are already off the board: New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart announced on her podcast this week that she’ll be returning to Brooklyn, and teammate Sabrina Ionescu told reporters Wednesday at USA Basketball camp in Phoenix that she’ll also be re-signing with New York.

The official timetable for free agency has yet to be announced nor shared with teams, sources told ESPN, as the long-form version of the CBA gets completed. A late February memo shared with front offices proposed that free agency could begin April 7 with formal signings starting April 12 if a deal was completed by March 10. But the terms of the new CBA were verbally agreed to March 18, and those dates were thought to be fluid.

Another factor at play is Friday’s two-team expansion draft (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. Each of the league’s preexisting teams can protect only five players, and Toronto and Portland can each pick only one player who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. That can include a player who is no longer core eligible, but the only benefit the expansion team would have in picking such a player would be that it can offer them a supermax salary.

With training camp still expected to begin on time April 19, this will be the most consolidated free agency period the league has ever seen — and with a $7 million salary cap in 2026, the most lucrative, as well.

ESPN ranked the top 55 free agents into tiers and broke down what factors could be at play as they make decisions this month. The players listed below are unrestricted free agents unless otherwise noted.

MVP-caliber

Napheesa Collier
Alyssa Thomas
A’ja Wilson

It is almost unheard of to see the league’s perennial MVP candidates all hit free agency at the same time. But the likelihood of these stars actually seeking new homes seems minimal. Aside from Stewart’s announcement, the Las Vegas Review Journal has reported that Wilson intends to re-sign with the Las Vegas Aces at the new $1.4 million supermax for 2026 as soon as possible. Collier and Thomas, meanwhile, seem content with the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury, respectively.

What’ll be worth monitoring are the terms of their eventual deals: Will they end up on long-term contracts, and will they join Wilson in taking the supermax? The supermax constitutes 20% of the salary cap (up from 16.5% in the prior CBA), but historically some stars have been willing to take less than that amount in an effort to sign deals that help their squads sign more talent around them.

All-WNBA level

Kahleah Copper
Allisha Gray
Chelsea Gray
Jonquel Jones
Kelsey Mitchell
Nneka Ogwumike
Kelsey Plum
Jackie Young

This group consists of players who could be prime candidates to be cored by their teams, which is the WNBA’s version of the NFL’s franchise tag. The core rules don’t change in the new CBA until 2027; the most recent rules stipulated that players who have played two seasons while under the core designation cannot be cored again, meaning, of the aforementioned players, Copper, Jones, Ogwumike and Stewart are all ineligible for the designation.

Ionescu indicated that New York’s nucleus — which also features Jones — will remain intact. All eyes will be on whether Las Vegas can also retain its big three of Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Young. Young would be a no-brainer for teams to poach from Las Vegas if she wants to follow in the example of Plum and become a team’s centerpiece.

Caitlin Clark and the Fever, meanwhile, have made it abundantly clear since the season ended that priority No. 1 is to re-sign Mitchell. When Plum was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks last offseason, both sides envisioned it being a long-term partnership, not just a one-off, so it seems likely she will be back there. Elsewhere, does Ogwumike return to the Seattle Storm after coach Noelle Quinn was let go?

It’s possible some of these players end up with the $1.4 million supermax in 2026. If not, the regular max isn’t too much lower ($1.19 million in 2026).

All-Star-caliber

Veronica Burton (RFA)
Skylar Diggins
Brittney Griner
Dearica Hamby
Rhyne Howard (RFA)
Brionna Jones
Jewell Loyd
Ezi Magbegor
Kayla McBride
Arike Ogunbowale
Satou Sabally
Brittney Sykes
Kayla Thornton
Gabby Williams

With such a condensed free agency, some industry insiders predict there will be less movement than initially expected and that players will sign one-year deals to wait to see how the new landscape sorts itself out. So which players could potentially be on the move?

Griner’s presence on the floor was diminished by the end of her first season with the Atlanta Dream — does that fit still make sense for both parties? Ogunbowale’s future will be of primary interest, too, after her productivity dipped last season and then-rookie Paige Bueckers emerged as the clear franchise cornerstone for the Dallas Wings. Loyd shined for the Aces once she started coming off the bench, helping them win their third title. Is that the role that makes most sense for her moving forward?

Magbegor is also hitting free agency at an interesting time following the arrival of Dominique Malonga in Seattle. Must the Storm choose between the two young bigs? Free agency will reveal more about the vision for the team under new coach Sonia Raman (and GM Talisa Rhea).

Seattle is in a position similar to Minnesota of contending but not yet breaking through to win a title with its current iteration. One of the major storylines of free agency will be whether the Storm maintain most of their roster from last year or lean toward heavy changes.

Of note: Players from this group who are no longer core eligible are Diggins, Jones, Griner and Loyd.

High-level starters

Ariel Atkins
Shakira Austin (RFA)
DeWanna Bonner
Jordin Canada
Tina Charles
Natasha Cloud
Tiffany Hayes
Naz Hillmon (RFA)
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (suspended, contract expired)
Marina Mabrey
Emma Meesseman
Alanna Smith
Azura Stevens
Courtney Vandersloot
Courtney Williams

There’s an assortment of players facing an interesting set of circumstances in this group. Will the Liberty run back the Cloud-Ionescu backcourt pairing, or go a different route? What does Laney-Hamilton’s future hold as she looks to return to the WNBA after missing a year because of a knee injury? Meesseman is always an unknown given her overseas commitments; does she return to the WNBA in 2026, and would New York want to give it another go with her?

Vandersloot and Atkins seem poised to be in the Chicago Sky‘s plans, with the former also a bit of a wild card as she returns from an ACL injury. Could a player such as Stevens be lured away from Los Angeles for a larger role or more money elsewhere? Veterans such as Bonner and Charles, similarly to Vandersloot, have more years behind them than ahead of them but can still make a difference for teams.

Players from this group who are no longer core eligible are: Bonner, Canada and Charles.

The situation for Mabrey is also tricky: The Connecticut Sun are clearly in a rebuild with young talent but are also relocating to Houston in 2027, with Comets and Sun front office personnel already working in tandem beginning this season. The impact of the franchise’s relocation on its free agency plans remains to be seen.

Key rotation players

Bridget Carleton
DiJonai Carrington
Alysha Clark
Sophie Cunningham
Temi Fagbenle
Tyasha Harris
Natisha Hiedeman
Natasha Howard
Lexie Hull (RFA)
Marine Johannes (reserve)
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus
Jessica Shepard
NaLyssa Smith (RFA)
Erica Wheeler
Sami Whitcomb

These players have the greatest variance in what their roles could look like depending on the makeup and vision of their teams. A player such as Carrington (who was traded from Dallas to Minnesota) is in an uncertain position as a midseason acquisition who proved her value, but there are a lot of unknowns regarding the direction the Lynx will choose. Smith thrived in Las Vegas following a midseason trade and helped the Aces to a championship, and might have found a new home there. The Fever have less uncertainty than others in that they have Clark and Aliyah Boston, both all-WNBA players, under contract, but they must decide whether they’ll look to return that pair’s surrounding cast of Howard (no longer core eligible), Hull and Cunningham.

Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers has drawn interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Fulham attacking midfielder Harry Wilson also has a host of clubs on his trail.

Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades

TRENDING RUMORS

– Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool are interested in Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, according to The Sun. Rogers, 23, is reportedly open to leaving Villa Park and hopes to join a team competing for major trophies, while Villa’s hierarchy see this summer as the right time to part ways. But any potential deal is expected to require a transfer fee worth in excess of £80 million after he recently signed a six-year contract until 2031.

– Tottenham Hotspur have joined Liverpool and Man United in the race to sign Fulham attacking midfielder Harry Wilson on a free transfer in the summer, per TEAMtalk. The 29-year-old has attracted attention from multiple clubs following his 10 goals and six assists in 29 Premier League matches. New Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly identified him as one of his first potential squad reinforcements, while officials from both Anfield and Old Trafford are keeping tabs on the situation.

– Liverpool are looking at signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon as they look to rebuild their squad this summer. The Sun says that seven players are expected to be moved on, with Alexis Mac Allister, 27, and Cody Gakpo, 26, among those that could leave. The Reds are reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of a holding midfielder and have placed Baleba, 22, on their shortlist, while Gordon, 25, is seen as a replacement for Gakpo, though a move for either is likely to require an offer worth over £80 million.

– Officials from the Saudi Pro League have made fresh contact with the representatives of Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, according to TEAMtalk. It is reported that the SPL is pushing to sign the 33-year-old this summer, after he revealed he would be leaving on a free transfer. Salah has been informed that he would have the choice of any of the clubs, with Al Ittihad the frontrunners, but he has also been linked with a switch to MLS and the Serie A.

– Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is attracting strong interest from Juventus, says Gazzetta dello Sport. Juve are keen to add more Italy internationals to their squad, with the 23-year-old identified as the first they want to sign in the next transfer window. But the report adds that any deal could hinge on whether Calafiori pushes for a switch from the Emirates Stadium.

EXPERT TAKE

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Hutchison: Cucurella ‘out of order’ for Chelsea transfer policy criticism

Don Hutchison reacts to Marc Cucurella’s recent comments about Chelsea’s transfer policy.

OTHER RUMORS

– Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku has been identified by Fenerbahce as a potential future Victor Osimhen replacement. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Barcelona are in talks with the representatives of Internazionale center back Alessandro Bastoni, but they need to offload players before making a formal approach to sign him. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Real Madrid are continuing to monitor the situation of Borussia Dortmund center back Nico Schlotterbeck. (AS)

– Liverpool have a strong chance of signing defender Ibrahima Konate to a new contract despite interest from several top clubs. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Everton are optimistic of landing on-loan Manchester City attacking forward Jack Grealish on a permanent deal this summer. (Daily Mail)

– Manchester City have presented a contract offer to midfielder Rodri, who is on the radar of Real Madrid. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Flamengo are considering a move for Roma forward Paulo Dybala, who has also been linked with Boca Juniors. (UOL)

– Atletico Madrid have agreed personal terms with Atalanta midfielder Ederson. He is keen on a move to the Wanda Metropolitano despite interest from Manchester City and Manchester United. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Arsenal and Newcastle are among the teams interested in Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia. (Ekrem Konur)

– Juventus have restarted contract talks with the representatives of striker Dusan Vlahovic. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– AC Milan are close to sealing an agreement with defender Fikayo Tomori on a new contract until the summer of 2030. (Calciomercato)

– Juventus recently sent scouts to watch Real Valladolid attacking midfielder Chuki, who has just two months remaining on his contract. (AS)

– Leeds defender Pascal Struijk is attracting interest from Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. (TEAMtalk)

Brandon Bussi was a sophomore at Western Michigan University when inspiration struck.

The goaltender, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, had a history of taking artistic license with his gear. It’s a rarity of the sport afforded almost exclusively to netminders, and Bussi took advantage by tinkering with custom mask designs.

He loved them all but hadn’t considered making them more personal until he reached college. There, he thought about drawing up something in honor of his younger brother, Dylan, who is autistic. Bussi couldn’t ignore the idea once it took root, and he threw himself into a task that would, in time, blossom like his on-ice reputation.

“I wanted to make that first mask [as a college sophomore] representing autism because it meant something to me personally,” Bussi said. “In my junior year, I did it again, and there were stories about what I was doing. It was getting some attention. It was clear the biggest thing I could do when it comes to autism awareness is just share my story. The fact that I have the ability to put some symbols on my helmet, something that started out personal has grown into a talked-about thing.”

The native of Sound Beach, New York, developed the mask highlighting autism — his last at WMU — in collaboration with Vice Design’s Allen Schneider. Bussi brought it with him as a keepsake from his three-year tenure as a Bronco. It became inspiration for subsequent efforts, as he intended to keep churning out fresh patterns when he turned full-time pro in 2022 with the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins.

Bussi opened a new chapter of his career while maintaining old traditions, and he evolved his artwork to reflect autism’s shifting symbolism. It was crucial to him that each mask reflects his ongoing encounters with people in the autistic community. Their influences morphed into inspiration to shine the brightest spotlight possible on a cause he felt called to champion.

“[Dylan] made me grow as a person,” Bussi said. “From when I was a kid, it was an unbelievable relationship; different, but great and unique. It forced me to mature at a young age and see the world differently. It’s guided me and it’s a story I share to try and help people understand what he goes through.”

Bussi knew how to express his visions when the chance to develop a specialty NHL mask arrived following four years of seasoning in the AHL. Connecting with noted goalie mask guru DaveArt (real name: David Gunnarsson) helped Bussi harness his creative vision.

Every mask Gunnarsson works on is unique to its owner, but the meaning around Bussi’s projects also have felt real for the artist.

“I love the designs with a lot of details [like this], and with a message behind it,” Gunnarsson said. “I also have people close to me with autism, so I extra loved to create this mask. Brandon knew very much how he wanted his mask [to be].”

Gunnarsson joked that Bussi was so “easy to work with” and wholly invested in the creative aspects of their effort that “the day he retires from hockey, he can come work with me here [in Sweden].”

For now, Gunnarsson will settle for being Bussi’s backup in the design space. He’s proud to see the final product come together as an homage to multiple phases of Bussi’s life: an older brother struggling to find common ground with his sibling; a minor league goalie progressing his passion with fresh artistry; an NHL player who emerged fully formed into a whole new world.

“My thing is just not getting too ahead of myself,” he said. “I don’t know. I’m just really focusing on the now, not looking too far ahead and not looking too far back in the past. Sure, there’s been some success, but I think I know if I’m not successful, then I won’t be here after a while. So I just go day by day and just focus on what I’m doing that day.”

BUSSI DOWNPLAYED THE DAUNTING PARTS of his journey from unknown name to overnight fame. He didn’t reach the NHL until October — at 27 years old. But somehow, he immediately excelled, broke records and defied the odds there — an unheralded, undrafted player claimed off waivers as insurance who rapidly became an NHL starter. He earned his 21st victory of the season against Los Angeles on Feb. 1 to set a record for most wins by a goalie through their first 25 career games.

Skeptics would say it was too fast and high a climb for anyone to sustain.

“There’s a fine balance there, right? I’m not, like, scared, of losing my position, but I think this lifestyle won’t be normal to me,” Bussi said. “And that’s OK. From where I’ve come from, I’m in a unique position. Being around the guys and our culture and our day-to-day operations and playing, that is normal now. I’m very comfortable here. I’m happy here. I’m glad I can be here. But the overall lifestyle that we have won’t be normal. And maybe that’s a good thing for me.”

Bussi can achieve almost zen levels of calm — and an appreciation for life’s bigger picture. Bussi needed to help take care of Dylan, who is nonspeaking, by recognizing that he required specific means of communication. They’ve used tablets to write messages, and Dylan can acknowledge both gestures and what’s being said to him.

The frustration, Bussi said, is in Dylan’s inability to respond and be understood how he wants to. Many families with autistic members face that, and Bussi acknowledges he hasn’t always reacted with grace to Dylan’s traits.

“Growing up, there were a handful of times where people were not as understanding of his situation,” Bussi said. “They would look over and stare [at us] and, truthfully, as a kid, I was a little bit embarrassed because I didn’t understand it at the time. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten to see so many communities that support [autistic people].

“It’s been so nice to see how people with autism have been able to continue their lives, and for me, I love to see them also playing sports as well.”

Dylan is thriving in his own way through those targeted programs. He’s living in a group home about an hour from Bussi’s parents on Long Island. Brandon doesn’t get to visit often because he’s playing every other night, but he is thrilled to see how far Dylan has come.

“I actually got to see him at Christmas time this year,” Bussi said. “He came over to the family house. That’s one of those challenges where if he goes into big event environments, it can be overwhelming. We have to keep things intimate and small, but that was huge. Because yes, there are tough times behind the scenes. It doesn’t mean I don’t love my brother. It means that I had to grow as a person to understand him. That’s the truth. It’s the relationships and the bonds you make in the journey you’re on that’s so worth it.”

THAT SENTIMENT EXTENDS for Bussi beyond his personal life and well into his circuitous professional one, a slow build toward where he stands now.

Bussi committed to Western Michigan ahead of the 2019-20 season and enjoyed a strong stint that included leading the Broncos in 2022 to their first NCAA tournament win. Bussi decided to forgo his senior season from there and, in March 2022, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins.

In his first full AHL campaign in Providence, Bussi was 22-5-4 with a .924 save percentage and 2.40 goals-against average. The Bruins recalled him once that season as an emergency backup. Boston extended him another year for the following season, and Bussi produced another strong campaign (.913 SV%, 2.67 GAA) with no NHL ice time. The Bruins offered up another one-year extension, and that 2024-25 season was Bussi’s toughest to date. He started as Providence’s No. 1 but lost the job by midseason to Michael DiPietro.

That was the end of Bussi’s run with Boston’s organization. In July 2025, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida. The Panthers had Bussi three months before placing him on waivers. Carolina picked him up, and within days, Bussi was on the Hurricanes’ opening night roster, filling in behind Frederik Andersen for the injured Pyotr Kochetkov. That was just the beginning.

“It wasn’t really a special confidence in him, no,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said of throwing Bussi into the mix so soon after his arrival. “It was out of necessity. We had guys hurt, and we were like, ‘All right, let’s see what happens.’ And it’s the old tale about getting [an] opportunity and then making it count, right? And he was ready for it, and he’s never really looked back.”

On Oct. 14, Bussi made his NHL debut in a 5-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks to ignite one of the most talked-about streaks of the season. The unofficial NHL rookie (technically, Bussi doesn’t qualify as a freshman because he played his first game at age 27) spun one victory off another.

Bussi was 23-3-1 with a .908 SV% and 2.16 GAA on Feb. 16 when Carolina presented the first multiyear contract of his pro career, a three-year pact worth $5.7 million. The Hurricanes celebrated by making a $10,000 donation to the Autism Society of North Carolina.

“It’s means a lot to support those [chapters] of the cause,” Bussi said. “I think having groups that are so inclusive, that provide what these kids need, while also being able to put them in the world to do the ‘normal’ things, maybe with a little bit of assistance, it’s great to see.”

BUSSI’S RISE RAISED a question, though: How did NHL clubs fail to key in on this unique southpaw?

“You never, at the end of the day, know what you have until they get an opportunity,” Hurricanes goalie coach Paul Schonfelder said. “And it’s not like one game; it’s like you need to give them 10 games for them to be comfortable and really see what you have. Some guys don’t get that opportunity, and Bussi got it here.

“I’ll give our Roddy full credit because most coaches would probably wait [to play him], lean on the other guy, but they threw him in right away, and he played well. He’s earned everything he’s gotten.”

Schonfelder said he believes Bussi was unfairly “pigeonholed” and viewed by some observers as a “good No. 3.” Boston didn’t give Bussi an NHL shot in three years. That is enough to make other teams wary of a player’s ability at the next level. Schonfelder — with Carolina since 2021 — said the club had tapped Bussi as a player of interest so it had an inkling of what to expect.

At least it thought so.

“If you would have told me that he’d be 25-3-1 at this point [in early March], for sure, I’m going to say I’d have been surprised,” Schonfelder said. “But very pleased, too. And we didn’t know all of his personality before and I think [attitude] 100% has made a difference here. His mental outlook just helps him on the ice. He’s living in the moment. My philosophy is, we liked you before you got here. Just go out there and play. Show us what you can do. I think that just put him at ease right away.”

Bussi had never stopped preparing for his NHL moment. Being overlooked hadn’t felt like a failure.

“I’ve always had confidence in myself,” he said. “In my many years in the AHL, I felt like I was a good goalie that could step into the NHL and do well. So I’ve never had any doubt. It was a unique journey. But I’m here, and I just have to do my job. I don’t have to be anything more than myself.”

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Brandon Bussi secures Carolina’s win with a great save

Brandon Bussi makes beautiful save

When Bussi’s numbers dipped ahead of the Olympic break in February, he leaned on his positivity. He and the Hurricanes found ways to win. That changed in March as Bussi turned in the first losing streak of his season through three consecutive defeats allowing three or more goals.

The Hurricanes tabled concerns. His resiliency had revealed itself time and again.

“He’s gone through adversity where maybe he’s given up a goal early in the game, and he just goes with the flow and finds his way out of it,” Schonfelder said. “He doesn’t let a lot affect him. You know he’s going to work hard. You see his character. He’s everything you want in a teammate and as a player to coach.”

Bussi got back in the win column, recording an .885 SV% in Carolina’s 4-3 overtime victory in Toronto on March 20. Afterward, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube lamented how his team didn’t get a critical save to secure a victory. Doing exactly that is what the Hurricanes have come to rely on from Bussi.

“He makes some tough, big saves in games,” defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere said. “That’s the biggest thing with him where, no matter what goes on before, he’s making that save when we need it.”

Gostisbehere has patrolled multiple NHL blue lines in the past decade, before a multitude of netminders, and he found Bussi to be a study in contradiction from off-ice persona to on-ice performer.

“He’s the nicest guy in the world, so pure. You just want to protect him and his fiancée [Mary] at all costs,” Gostisbehere said. “But then he’s an aggressive goalie out there. He comes out to play a lot of pucks, he’s challenging guys, and he’s really good at reading plays. Everything he’s done for us this year has been incredible. We’re lucky to have him.”

Bussi credits Carolina with making him and Mary “feel like family” from the day he was picked up. They are living together in Raleigh full-time, another first in a long line of them for Bussi this year.

The Hurricanes hope that, despite Bussi’s bumps, he’ll be integral to helping them reach the next playoff stage. Carolina has advanced to two of the past three Eastern Conference finals and fell both times to Florida. Inconsistent goaltending was an issue.

It’s still possible Bussi can be the backbone Carolina needs.

“I think we all understand what the mission is here,” Bussi said. “It’s fun to be a part of and kind of join the family after so many years of success and try to continue it.”

IF THERE ARE A FEW items left on Bussi’s list, one would be getting Dylan out to a game. His sensory differences would make the loud arena overwhelming on a regular game night.

The league is doing something about that. In response to people with needs such as Dylan’s, several NHL teams have begun hosting individual Autism Awareness nights that provide specific comforts. For example, clubs have designated sensory spaces and quiet rooms for autistic fans, offering noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys.

Shawn Pfeiffer has been integral to that process. It’s his mission to advocate for the autistic community through hockey, doing so as a founder of Pucks for Autism. The initiative was inspired by Pfeiffer’s son, Henry, who is autistic, and a desire to see him get an equal chance to participate with a sport dear to his father.

Pucks for Autism started small, holding tournaments and events in the Midwest where families could participate in activities highlighting the challenges and strengths of people living with the condition. Pfeiffer’s group began working with AHL teams to foster an inclusive environment for autistic fans and eventually connected with the Chicago Blackhawks, too.

Their goal of breaking down barriers gained so much traction they have an NHL tour now, with five teams hosting a night in March and April to raise awareness of neurodivergence.

“It’s incredible to build this community of people where it’s a safe space for [autistic people],” Pfeiffer said. “It’s hard to explain if you’re not close to autism, but there are certain things that can seem strange to other families. We are making safe places where I know Henry can unapologetically be himself and not be judged. I don’t have to worry about him at our events and other families get that same experience too, and that’s one of the pieces that I love about what we do.”

Pfeiffer’s group has all sorts of reach within the community. Emily Springsdorf met Pfeiffer six years ago through the West Michigan Special Hockey Association when they received grants through the PFA’s program. The WMSHA began with autistic players such as Springsdorf but has expanded since to welcome athletes with other disabilities such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Working with Pfeiffer and being involved with the PFA has given Springsdorf and her teammates an experience they wouldn’t otherwise have.

“It’s about allowing people to have a safe space, to be accepted when they normally wouldn’t, and it makes a huge difference, especially for someone like me,” she said. “It’s a safe space for me to actually be me in an arena with other like-minded people, and not have to worry about what other people are going to think or how they’re going to treat us, and just have an escape from reality.”

Springsdorf, 35, got to attend the PFA event at Little Caesars Arena in January. She and other participants watched the game and then were able to skate themselves. It was a surreal experience for Springsdorf.

“I’ve been wanting to play at the Red Wings’ arena for decades,” the Michigan native said. “And through Pucks for Autism, I was able to finally make a dream come true that I’ve always wanted. If it hadn’t been for Shawn, I would have just sat back wondering if it was ever going to happen. But because of Shawn, I’ve been able to have so many amazing things happen.”

Zach Pierce is another PFA follower who has had lofty wishes granted. He connected through them with Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato; now Pierce says Donato sees him at home games and flips a puck over the glass during warmups. While that recognition is nice, what’s even better for Pierce, 26, is the smaller moments he shares with newfound friends in his sports circle, to be seen as more than a diagnosis.

“What makes it special for me is that I get to meet people like me, and it’s just a good time to be with them and be social,” Pierce said. “I feel like inclusion is the best roster I’ve ever experienced before. I’m part of a big group. Pucks for Autism is a family.”

That’s especially true for Pfeiffer. Henry, 15, is a fixture at their events — even if he doesn’t exactly share his dad’s love for playing the game. Instead, he’s a satisfied spectator and part-time hawker for the family business.

“I just like to watch hockey, and I just love going to a lot of places to meet those people at the charity events,” he said. “Sometimes, [I help] sell merch at the table. My parents design that [stuff]; it’s definitely not me. But anyone who supports or donates is helping other people with autism and other disabilities as well, whether it’s mental or physical.”

Henry went to an NHL game in Tampa where he met forward Oliver Bjorkstrand, a treasured memory from a “big, exclusive” opportunity he hopes everyone in the autism community will get to have.

“I want everyone to feel included and happy,” he said, “And like when they go to something with Pucks for Autism, it’s the best time they ever had in their entire life.”

Inclusion is what has drawn Springsdorf back time and again to PFA and to seeing more of her peers get involved.

“Autism is not something that should be feared and it’s something that should be accepted,” she said. “Because at the end of the day, we’re still human, and we deserve to be treated the same way as everyone else.”

Dubbing himself a “lofty dreamer,” Pfeiffer said his ultimate ambition would be for every NHL team to have Pucks for Autism coordinate a special game experience with modifications for neurodivergent fans.

If Pfeiffer succeeds, then perhaps Bussi will get to see Dylan in the stands some day.

“I’d love for it to work out,” Bussi said of Dylan watching him play. “It would be a whole process with some of his limitations, but I’d tell anyone with autism who is going out there, just be you. We want everybody to feel welcome in any community, in sports or at work. I want everyone in everything. And it would be such a goal of mine absolutely in the future to have [my brother] in the building and experience all of this journey with me.”