Five-time U.S. Olympian Hilary Knight signed a one-year foundational contract with Las Vegas on Tuesday in the first step of a sign-and-trade deal that will eventually send the 36-year-old to Detroit. The five-time Olympian, coming off captaining the U.S. to Olympic gold in Milan, will move closer to her Chicago hometown after previously playing in Boston and Seattle. Las Vegas acquired Detroit's first-round draft pick in the transaction that won't become official until June 16 when the PWHL trade freeze lifts.

Knight's one-year deal guarantees her at least $100,000 next season, matching the $106,090 she earned last year. She finished last season with five goals and 14 points in 22 games with Seattle while missing the final two months with a lower-body injury. A year earlier, she tied for the league lead with 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) and ranks 12th in PWHL history with 54 career points (26 goals, 28 assists) in 76 games.

This move marks Knight's second offseason trade in the PWHL's young history. Despite stating the Milan Olympics would be her last, she plans to continue her professional career. The trade gives Detroit an experienced player who delivers in clutch moments, like deflecting the game-tying goal in the Olympic gold-medal game against Canada. Las Vegas gains a draft pick while completing Phase 2 of the league's expansion signing process.