The N.H.L. has been more engaged marketing women’s hockey recently, including creating a three-on-three women’s exhibition as part of its All-Star events this year, and has seen an increased number of female coaches, scouts and broadcasters. But the N.H.L. has stopped short of investing in a women’s professional league, and it does not appear to be a priority as the league is still figuring out ways to resume its season (which was paused on March 12), reschedule its draft and navigate financial concerns, all changes wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Toronto Maple Leafs said in a statement that the N.W.H.L.’s expansion announcement “came as a surprise to us as there has been no involvement or communication between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the N.W.H.L. At present, our focus is currently centered on supporting our players, staff, and most importantly — our community, during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

According to emails reviewed by The New York Times, an employee of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Maple Leafs, was contacted by an investor in the N.W.H.L.’s Toronto team. When asked for a follow-up comment, Steve Keogh, director of media relations for the Maple Leafs, provided a statement that said: “No one from the N.W.H.L. league office spoke directly with our management/hockey operations team. To be clear, we were unaware of the timing of any announcement; nor have we had any formal communications between our respective offices.”

The N.W.H.L. also faces upcoming hurdles. Foreign players are not covered by Canada’s universal health care and some may need reciprocal work permits, which the Toronto team will pay for and manage their processing, according to a league spokesperson. However, these processes could be delayed because of the ongoing pandemic.

The Canadian government will also dictate when games can continue within its borders. The N.W.H.L. has not announced a start date for its 2020-21 season, but has previously opened in October.

Whenever the new Toronto N.W.H.L. franchise hits the ice, they will have to engage the hockey community there without the Maple Leafs as power brokers and without the strong ties the P.W.H.P.A. has built.

Despite Toronto’s reputation as a hockey-crazed metropolis, women’s hockey has not always flourished in Canada’s largest city. The Toronto Furies played in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League before that entity folded in 2019, and sometimes drew about 300 spectators for home games.

“The base of women’s hockey fans in Toronto is larger than anywhere else in the world,” said Sami Jo Small, the former general manager of the Furies before they folded and three-time Olympic medalist for Canada. “They are knowledgeable, supportive and want hockey to succeed in the greater Toronto area. In order for this Toronto team to be successful, they will have to connect with the fans, have a clear marketing strategy and make the games accessible so fans know how to get behind their team.”