The PWHL Draft is rapidly approaching. Teams are building draft lists, and there will be shuffling once final declarations are made. In the meantime, here's a look at The Hockey News' Top 75 rankings. Next month we will release our final PWHL Draft rankings.
The PWHL Draft is rapidly approaching. Teams are building draft lists, and there will be shuffling once final declarations are made. In the meantime, here's a look at The Hockey News' Top 75 rankings. Next month we will release our final PWHL Draft rankings.
The PWHL Draft is rapidly approaching and scouting opportunities are almost over aside from the Division IA World Championships. Here's a look at The Hockey News Top 75 players for April. We will release a final ranking in May which will then only include players who have officially declared for the draft.
Here is The Hockey News' Top 75 PWHL Draft rankings for April 2024.
1. Sarah Fillier, C, Princeton, NCAA (2000, Canada)
Top line offensive threat, can also play a two-way game. Coming out of Princeton, already owns Olympic gold and multiple World Championship gold medals with Canada.
2. Hannah Bilka, LW, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, USA)
Silky hands and a deceptive skater, Bilka weaves in and out of traffic to create scoring chances. Elite talent who won a national title with Ohio State and owns World Championship gold with Team USA.
3. Cayla Barnes, D, Ohio State, NCAA (1999, USA)
A spark plug from the blueline, Barnes is physical, makes smart puck decisions, and defends as well as she attacks. National champion, World Champion, and no ego.
4. Danielle Serdachny, C, Colgate (2001, Canada)
Top scorer of all NCAA players over the past three seasons, she's gifted when it comes to creating offense. Uses her frame to protect pucks and get to the dirty areas. Gold medal winning goal for Canada this year elevated her status.
5. Ronja Savolainen, D, Lulea, SDHL (1997, Finland)
Savolainen, 26, is an all situations blueliner who uses her 5-foot-10 frame effectively. Can be nasty, can also transport the puck herself, and play a variety of roles on the power play. A multifaceted threat.
6. Daniela Pejsova, D, Lulea, SDHL (2002, Czechia)
Smooth skating and physical 21-year-old, Pejsova played major minutes for Lulea and Czechia this year. She can turn pucks up ice quickly, and has offensive upside despite modest numbers. Able to defend top lines.
7. Claire Thompson, D, DNP (1998, Canada)
Olympic All-Star took a year away from the game to pursue her degree, Thompson is expected to dive full time into the league. Great skater, good vision, offensive minded.
8. Noora Tulus, F, Lulea, SDHL (1995, Finland)
Leading scorer in the SDHL and several bronze and a silver medal representing Finland at the World Championships and Olympics. Great playmaking vision and game breaking speed.
9. Maja Nylén Persson, D, Brynas, SDHL (2000, Sweden)
Sees the ice well and is a mobile modern defender. The Swedish national team member can contribute offensively, but is also capable on the defensive side of the puck. Immediate upgrade to any PWHL blueline.
10. Izzy Daniel, RW, Cornell, NCAA (2001, USA)
The 2024 Patty Kazmaier winner as the NCAA's top player, Daniel has great puck skills and slippery under pressure. An overlooked part of her game is the fact she's a strong two-way player who is a 200-foot player, not simply a high end scorer.
11. Britta Curl, LW, Wisconsin, NCAA (2000, USA)
Hard to play against. Curl is always in pursuit of the puck, which seems to find her. May be more of a third line player in the league, but with plenty of offensive upside to climb the lineup. Off ice concerns may give teams pause.
12. Allyson Simpson, RD, Colgate, NCAA (2000, USA)
Physical, stable, and rarely beaten in a one-on-one situation. Simpson can put up points, but also uses her gap and physicality to knock players off the puck or disrupt the rush.
13. Jennifer Gardiner, LW, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada)
Attention to detail is a factor in her game. Unlike some from the NCAA, Gardiner doesn't disappear in big games, rather she rises to better competition, which bodes well for her play in the PWHL, especially given the fact she'll need to work her way up a lineup.
14. Anna Meixner, F, Brynas, SDHL (1994, Austria)
Great speed, shifty with the puck, and a reputation as a top player in Europe, including being named the SDHL's MVP last season. Could factor into a top six.
15. Megan Carter, D, Northeastern, NCAA (2001, Canada)
Tough to play against, Carter is a leader on and off the ice who isn't afraid to mix it up with opponents. She locks down her own zone first, and is capable of playing shutdown minutes.
16. Elle Hartje, F, Yale, NCAA (2001, USA)
An intelligent forward who's good in the face-off circle. She distributes the puck well and can compete on both sides of the puck. She doesn't shy away from any moment, and is a sleeper pick who could become a key middle six contributor in this league for years to come.
17. Klara Hymlarova, F, St. Cloud State, NCAA (1999, Czechia)
Spent five months on St. Cloud's blueline this year, played center for Czechia at Worlds, and is probably more of a natural winger. She's physical, and versatile, and can take care of business at both ends. Has a soft touch with the puck that's sometimes overlooked based on her role.
18. Mae Batherson, RD, St. Lawrence, NCAA (2000, Canada)
Likes to jump into the play as an extra attacker. Batherson has a strong shot from the blueline and is adept at finding seams through traffic. 37 points in 39 games from the blueline this season.
19. Noemi Neubauerova, RW, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Czechia)
Physical, two way forward who will make her team harder to play against. Strong in front of the net, defensively responsible, and a good right handed shot.
20. Sydney Bard, RD, Colgate, NCAA (2001, USA)
An excellent puck mover, Bard is an undersized defender who is a good skater, closes gaps and takes away time with her feet and positioning. The skill is there.
21. Sini Karjalainen, D, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Finland)
Karjalainen's offense dropped off this year from her NCAA career, but she's still one of the best puck moving blueliners outside North America. Brings good size and can play in all three zones.
22. Klara Peslarova, G, Brynas, SDHL (1996, Czechia)
In 2022, Peslarova was named a tournament All-Star at the World Championships and Olympics, and was the SDHL goalie of the year. Stays square to shooters looking bigger than she is. Rarely scrambling for pucks, but is athletic enough to make saves she shouldn't.
23. Anna Wilgren, LD, Wisconsin, NCAA (1999, USA)
Wilgren is a good decision maker on the ice and has bobbed in and out of USA's national program. Patient with the puck and a good shooter, Wilgren also closes lanes well in her own zone and isn't afraid to play physical.
24. Stephanie Markowski, LD, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada)
An excellent shot blocker, Markowski can shut things down when it matters in her own zone. She's also capable of contributing offensively. Should settle into a nice role in the PWHL given her diverse skill set.
25. Madeline Wethington, D, Minnesota, NCAA (2000, USA)
A big defender who can handle herself physically, Wethington moves the puck well and has remained one of the top defenders in NCAA hockey throughout her career. Three gold with USA's U-18 team.
26. Hadley Hartmetz, RD, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, USA)
Of Ohio State's big four blueliners, Hartmetz enjoys jumping into the rush. She has more offensive upside than many defenders, but can also handle her own zone and get the puck moving up ice quickly.
27. Dara Greig, LW, Colgate, NCAA (2000, Canada)
Greig is a feisty forward with offensive upside who should be able to provide some grit and gumption in a bottom six. It wouldn't be surprising to see Greig creep up a round or two. While she can play a checking role, she's got great touch as well.
28. Kathryn Reilly, D, Quinnipiac, NCAA (2001, Canada)
After four solid seasons with Quinnipiac, Reilly exploded this season to lead all NCAA defenders in scoring. It's hard to ignore, and Reilly isn't a one trick player, she can also compete on the other side of the puck.
29. Rylind MacKinnon, D, British Columbia, USports (2000, Canada)
Standing 5-foot-10, MacKinnon is a rangey blueliner who uses her reach and size to take away lanes and space. A good skater for her size, hasn't looked out of place at Hockey Canada camps.
30. Gwyneth Philips, G, Northeastern, NCAA (2000, USA)
2023 NCAA Goaltender of the Year, 2024 NCAA First Team All-American, Philips never quits on pucks, and can steal games. Making Team USA was the punctuation to her draft bid.
31. Anna Kjellbin, D, Lulea, SDHL (1994, Sweden)
It's hard to argue with the opportunity to add a veteran blueliner, who captains her national team, and has won multiple championships. She's not the flashiest, but is steady.
32. Lindsay Agnew, D, 25, Frolunda, SDHL (1998, Canada)
Former Canadian U-18 and Boston College captain is a strong skater. Not overly offensive but a well rounded defender who can play now.
33. Lauren Bernard, D, Ohio State (2001, USA)
Bernard will be a solid upgrade to a team's bottom pairing with upside to continue her development beyond that point. She's steady, and was a key component to Ohio State's national title.
34. Dominique Petrie, C, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, USA)
Petrie is a slick forward who put together four solid NCAA seasons between Harvard and Clarkson. She's also one of the rare North American players who represented USA at three U-18 World Championships winning a pair of gold and a silver.
35. Jenniina Nylund, F, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Finland)
Had a good first pro season in the SDHL, but went invisible at the World Championships falling down Finland's lineup. She's a good bottom six pick up who can score.
36. Emmy Fecteau, C, Concordia, USports (1999, Canada)
Oozes leadership, valued on and off the ice, and willing to do the little things to help her team win. Whether it's blocking shots, or battling on the boards, Fecteau is intelligent and willing. Can provide offense as well. Could become a steal.
37. Mannon McMahon, C, Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA (2001, USA)
One of the best in he face-off circle this season in the NCAA, McMahon will be an upgrade to any team's bottom six, but will have the potential to develop into middle six forward. Leader on and off the ice.
38. Anneke Linser, F, Djurgardens, SDHL (1999, USA)
Big right shot forward who likes to drive pucks to the net, Linser has shown she can produce in the SDHL this season. Expect her to play a role that utilizes her play at the net front and from the corners in a bottom six this season.
39. Maggie MacEachern, D, Penn State, NCAA (2001, Canada)
Former Canadian captain at the U-18 level and NCAA captain, MacEachern is a natural leader, blocks shots, and is reliable in her zone. Not as much offense, but she'll help any team who needs a steadying presence.
40. Alexie Guay, D, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, Canada)
A two-time U-18 World Championship All-Star, and tournament Best Defender in 2019, many thought Guay might be playing for Canada's senior national team by now. Skilled defender who could be a steal.
41. Kayleigh Hamers, D, SDE, SDHL (1997, Netherlands)
A strong skater and intelligent defender, Hamers will certainly be flying a bit under the radar coming from SDE and the Netherlands. She's the Netherlands' best player, being named best defender at both the Division 1B and Division 1A World Championships.
42. Emma Bergesen, D, Mount Royal, USports (1999, Norway)
A good skater who can jump into the play, Bergesen is one of the best defenders in Canada, and she's also been the staple for Team Norway. Back-to-back First Team All-Canadian, and also named the Top Defender at the 2022 World Championship D1A tournament.
43. Michelle Lowenhielm, C, SDE, SDHL (1995, Sweden)
A good shooter and strong on the dot, Lowenhielm is a smart player with a high compete level. The former Swedish national team captain won't lose many puck battles and could make a team harder to play against in their bottom six.
44. Brooke McQuigge, F, Clarkson, NCAA (2000, Canada)
Tenacious player who would fit a bottom six checking role. Plenty of character and upside, and was a dangerous special teams player.
45. Sadie Peart, C, Quinnpiac, NCAA (2000, USA)
One of the better pivots in the NCAA, Peart is solid in the face-off dot. She has put up consistent, but not eye popping numbers. Still, there's a lot to like about her game.
46. Shae Demale,, F, SDE, SDHL (2000, Canada)
Demale has a cannon of a shot and is leading SDE in scoring. An All-Canadian last season, Demale has transitioned well to Sweden and could be a welcomed under the radar signing for a team. She can score.
47. Katy Knoll, F, 2001, Northeastern, NCAA (2001, USA)
High compete level, and steady production over her career with Northeastern. Few have the drive of Knoll. Drafted or not, she could slot into a lineup as a role player.
48. Laura Kluge, F, Memmingen, DFEL (1996, Germany)
If she were to declare, Kluge might climb this list by 10-15 spots. She's big, competitive, a great team player off the ice, and can play a defensive checking role like few in this class.
49. Darcie Lappan, F, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, Canada)
50. Charlotte Akervik, D, Minnesota State, NCAA (2001, USA)
51. Kaitlyn O'Donohoe, RW, Colgate, NCAA (2001, USA)
52. Mathea Fischer, C, SDE, SDHL (1997, Norway)
53. Ida Kuoppala, F, Maine, NCAA (2000, Finland)
54. Peyton Anderson, F, Northeastern, NCAA (2001, USA)
55. Raygan Kirk, G, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada)
56. Chayla Edwards, D, Wisconsin, NCAA (2001, USA)
57. Camryn Wong, D, Connecticut, NCAA (2000, China)
58. Leah Herrfort, F, 2001, Waterloo, USports (2001, Canada)
59. Kelsey King, F, Ohio State, NCAA (2000, USA)
60. Lauren DeBlois, D, Providence, NCAA, (2000, USA)
61. Ena Nystrøm, G, Mercyhurst, NCAA (2000, Norway)
62. Logan Angers, G, Quinnipiac, NCAA (2000, Canada)
63. Lauren Dabrowski, D, SDE, SDHL (2001, Canada)
64. Nadia Mattivi, D, Boston University, NCAA (2000, Italy)
65. Kendra Woodland, G, New Brunswick, USports (2000, Canada)
66. Kelly Ann-Nadeau, D, Montreal, USports (1998, Canada)
67. Shailynn Snow, F, Robert Morris, NCAA (2001, Canada)
68. Shay Maloney, F, Leksands, SDHL (1999, USA)
69. Justine Reyes, F, Linkoping, SDHL (1997, USA)
70. Emma Nuutinen, F, Kiekko-Espoo, Naisten Liiga (1996, Finland)
71. Abby Moloughney, F, MoDo, SDHL (2000, Canada)
72. Tatum Amy, F, Leksands, SDHL (1999, Canada)
73. Rachel Teslak, D, Syracuse, NCAA (2001, Canada)
74. Rae Breton, D, New Hampshire, NCAA (2001, Canada)
75. Elizabeth Lang, F, Calgary, U Sports (2000, Canada)