Growing To A 12-Team League, It's Time The PWHL Fixes Their Draft Eligibility Rules

Vancouver Canucks

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Adam Kierszenblat

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Jul 20, 2026

When 35-year-old Michelle Karvinen heard her name called in the 2025 PWHL Draft, sandwiched between 23-year-olds Kendall Cooper and Jenna Buglioni, the PWHL's unique eligibility rules were on display.

When the league was founded as a six-team league, the league devised their draft eligibility, forcing all players, no matter their age or experience, to declare for the PWHL Draft in order to better maintain parity and competitive balance.

Now however, with the league moving to a 12-team format, it's time for the PWHL's draft eligibility rules to change as well, not only for competitive balance, but also to ensure the PWHL can continue to attract the best available talent from across the globe.

When the PWHL founded as a six team league, they forced all players to declare for the PWHL Draft. Now, the league must open their doors in order to ensure that the best from all corners of the world are in the league to provide talent to fill a 12-team loop.

thehockeynews.comGrowing To A 12-Team League, It's Time The PWHL Fixes Their Draft Eligibility RulesWhen the PWHL founded as a six team league, they forced all players to declare for the PWHL Draft. Now, the league must open their doors in order to ensure that the best from all corners of the world are in the league to provide talent to fill a 12-team loop.

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