The PWHL (Professional Women's Hockey League) announced on Saturday that Natalie Darwitz, the general manager of PWHL Minnesota, has left the team effective immediately. The decision came after a thorough review of the team's operations, conducted by the league and an external consulting firm.

According to Jayna Hefford, the PWHL's vice president of hockey operations, the league had been conducting reviews in all six league markets throughout the season to ensure a high level of professionalism. While Hefford did not disclose specific details about the review in Minnesota, she stated that it was clear a change needed to be made.

The review process involved discussions with players, staff, and league-level support, with all stakeholders providing feedback. The feedback indicated that there was no path forward with the current personnel in place. However, Hefford dismissed the notion that Darwitz's departure was solely due to a rift between the GM, players, and coach, emphasizing that it was a complex decision based on several factors.

The Athletic initially reported that Darwitz's departure was the result of a rift with head coach Ken Klee, with some players aligning with each of them. However, no players were willing to comment on the situation when reached by The Athletic.

Darwitz, who led PWHL Minnesota to the league's first-ever Walter Cup championship, declined to comment on her departure. The team's success under her leadership makes the timing of her departure particularly surprising. She was known as a hands-on GM who played a pivotal role in building the championship-winning team from scratch.

As PWHL Minnesota looks ahead, Ken Klee and his coaching staff will be responsible for player selections at the upcoming PWHL Draft. Although Klee will not serve as interim general manager, he will take on GM duties until a new hire is made. The league anticipates having a new general manager in place potentially by the start of free agency on June 21.

The decision to search for a new general manager just days after Minnesota's championship win is an unprecedented move. In traditional pro sports leagues, such decisions are typically made by franchise ownership, but in the PWHL, the league office makes these decisions as each team is owned by Mark Walter, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The league's priority is to ensure the smooth operation and success of its teams, and this decision was made in the best interest of both the league and the team, according to Hefford.

As PWHL Minnesota moves forward, the search for a new general manager begins, while Darwitz's departure leaves a void that will undoubtedly be felt by the team and the league.