The NCAA Frozen Four features college hockey's top four teams - Wisconsin, Ohio State, Cornell, and Minnesota. On those rosters are many of the PWHL's future stars. Some, like Joy Dunne, Caroline Harvey, and Laila Edwards, are still a season or two away from turning pro.
Others, however, are looking directly at the 2025 PWHL Draft with intent. Here's a look at 15 PWHL Draft prospects to watch at this weekend's NCAA Frozen Four in Minneapolis.
15 Prospects To Watch At The NCAA Frozen Four
Abbey Murphy, RW, 2002, Minnesota / USA - We won't know Abbey Murphy's plans for the PWHL Draft until the Frozen Four is finished. Even then, we aren't likely to hear about Murphy's next steps until the PWHL finalizes any potential plans for expansion. Murphy will be the consensus first overall pick if she declares combining speed, physicality, and a wicked shot.
Casey O'Brien, C, 2001, Wisconsin - The leading candidate for this year's Patty Kazmaier Award, O'Brien led the NCAA in scoring this season by a mile. She's an elite playmaker, and is a player who should be capable of immediately stepping into a top six role in the PWHL and contributing.
Natalie Mlynkova, LW, 2001, Minnesota / Czechia - A talented two-way player, Mlynkova can take on a number of roles in the PWHL. She'll certainly be able to contribute offensively, but there's so much more to her game.
Lacey Eden, RW, 2002, Wisconsin / USA - There's no word on Eden's plans to declare for the draft or return to Wisconsin. She's achieved what she can at the NCAA level and needs a new challenge. Knows how to check, but can also play top six minutes offensively.
Rory Guilday, D, 2002, Cornell - Losing her spot on USA's national team for the upcoming World Championships shouldn't hurt Guilday's draft day value. There aren't many defenders out there who combine her size and mobility. Guilday isn't going to set the PWHL on fire offensively, but she's a blueliner who is immediately capable of sliding into a top four and matching up against the best in the world.
Ella Huber, C, 2002, Minnesota - A highly intelligent player who uses her speed, and puck deception to generate offense.
Jenna Buglioni, C, 2002, Ohio State - A strong two-way player who got better and better as her final NCAA campaign went on. Ohio State's leader, Buglioni is small but mighty using her speed and intelligence to win pucks.
Kiara Zanon, F, 2002, Ohio State - It wasn't her best season of NCAA hockey, but Zanon remains a consistent threat, and has the toolkit to excel at the next level. She's shifty with the puck, sees the ice well, and is one of the NCAA's more experienced players.
Peyton Hemp, RW, 2003, Minnesota - Hemp has immense upside, which you could see this season in Minnesota. She needs to bring it more consistently, but should look good in a bottom six role next season with the potential to move up the lineup.
Sarah Wozniewicz, RW, 2002, Wisconsin - Energy, speed, defensive capabilities, and a big game mentality. As a bottom six checker, Wozniewicz will benefit a PWHL team in ways that aren't always visible in the scoring column, but will be seen in the win column.
Riley Brengman, D, 2002, Ohio State - Makes a good first pass and is skilled at taking away lanes with her stick. Likes to block shots, and was a leader for Ohio State.
Makenna Webster, RW, 2002, Ohio State - Has the smarts, has the 200-foot responsibility and has the scoring upside. She should get a look, and could blossom into a late round steal.
Maddi Wheeler, F, 2002, Ohio State - Not the biggest scorer, but Wheeler does things the right way and is responsible on both sides of the puck. As teams begin to eye players for specific roles, Wheeler could get a look.
Lily Deliandis, F, 2001, Cornell - Started the season high on our draft list before an injury derailed a portion of her year. Excellent puck skills, slides into openings to generate time and space, and a good leader with Cornell. Has the tools to play in this league in the right situation.
Marianne Picard, C, 2002, Wisconsin - A big game player who has two-way acumen. Not going to score much at the next level unless she goes to Europe and fosters that side of her game. But in a depth role, can contribute.