The 2025 PWHL Draft is scheduled for June 24 in Ottawa. It will feature another incoming wave of talent across six rounds and 48 picks. Last year the Draft had 42 picks and seven rounds, but with the addition of two expansion teams, the league has altered the numbers for 2025.
The top prospects for this draft include forwards Kristyna Kaltounkova, Casey O'Brien, and Natalie Mlynkova, and defenders Haley Winn, Nicole Gosling, and Rory Guilday. There's also a unique group of veterans entering the draft including Finnish legend Michelle Karvinen, Swedish forward Sara Hjalmarsson, and Russians Anna Shokhina and Fanuza Kadirova.
Each of the PWHL's existing six teams will have at least four roster vacancies to fill following the expansion draft on June 9, while PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle will enter the draft with only 12 players on their roster, meaning every pick they make will be expected to step in immediately.
Following the top 48, there remains a wealth of players capable of challenging for roster spots in the PWHL this season, and conceivably, any of the top 75 players on THN's final rankings could slide into the final round as teams will look to target specific needs, shoot for upside, and there's many players with similar skill sets in the latter portion of the draft. It means there will be no shortage of camp invites ready to prove they belong. There are also veterans beyond this group still that could earn their way onto a PWHL roster next season at camp.
Just as they did last year, the New York Sirens will pick first overall. The remainder of the draft order has yet to be announced by the PWHL.
Here are The Hockey News' final PWHL Draft rankings looking at the top 100:
1. Kristyna Kaltounkova, C, 23, Colgate (NCAA)
Big and physical, Kristyna Kaltounkova loves to drive the net. Watching her with Czechia at Worlds, you could see the respect top teams gave her. She's got a powerful shot, she is a responsible two-way player, and is dangerous on the power play. Her game looks a lot like Marie-Philip Poulin's.
2. Haley Winn, D, 21, Clarkson (NCAA)
Fantastic skater who is dangerous in transition, Haley Winn is a top four member of Team USA's blueline, which tells you right there she'll be counted on immediately in a top four role in the PWHL. She is the type of puck moving defender that is hard to come by, and she's not afraid to engage physically either.
3. Casey O'Brien, C, 23, Wisconsin (NCAA)
The top scorer in NCAA women's hockey, Casey O'Brien won the 2025 Patty Kazmaier Award as the NCAA's best player. She is an elite playmaker who sees the ice well, makes hard plays on the puck, and was one of the better NCAA players at the face-off dot this season. She'll move into a top six from day one.
4. Nicole Gosling, D, 23, Clarkson (NCAA)
Nicole Gosling is a smart blueliner, who makes a good first pass. She was the 2024 NCAA Defender of the Year and won gold with Canada at the 2024 World Championships. Gosling manages her own zone well, but also likes to jump into the play. From the blueline, she finds shooting lanes and gets pucks into scoring positions.
5. Natalie Mlynkova, LW, 24, Minnesota (NCAA)
Wherever the puck is, you'll find Czechia's Natalie Mlynkova. She was a 2024 World Championship All-Star, and regularly displays strong puck skills, including in tight spaces. Mlynkova isn't afraid to put her body in lanes, and plays a responsible two way game. She's relentless in her puck pursuit, an attribute that will make her valuable in any role she's given.
6. Rory Guilday, D, 22, Cornell (NCAA)
Using her imposing 5-foot-11 frame, Rory Guilday is a prototypical defensive defender. Mobile for her size, Guilday makes good choices with the puck, and uses her reach to take lanes and space from attackers. There's a lot of Lee Stecklein in Guilday's game, a comparison that should have a lineup of teams hoping to pick the Cornell grad and gold medalist as a member of USA's national team.
7. Michelle Karvinen, LW, 35, Frolunda (SDHL)
Given the league-wide loss of talent in the expansion process, the ability to add a veteran that still has elite vision, playmaking skills, and makes those around her better should be highly valued. Finland’s all-time leading scorer wants to prove herself in the PWHL, and while her age might turn some teams away, it's become clear that no roster is safe in the league, and that you can never look farther ahead than the season at hand. In that vein, Michelle Karvinen is a unique prospect who will make her new team better, now.
8. Anne Cherkowski, C, 22, Clarkson (NCAA)
While there's plenty of offensive upside that could land Anne Cherkowski in a top six, it's her versatility and two way game that could be a major boost. She's gotten a sniff with Canada at the Rivalry Series in the past and looked good. Good speed, intelligent approach, looks like a pro ready player.
9. Kendall Cooper, D, 23, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
Not afraid to mix it up physically, Kendall Cooper is a competitive player who is mobile on the back end. She likes to transport the puck herself, but is also a threat joining the play and activating from the blueline. Will need to learn to pick her places as a pro, but all the tools are here for Cooper to become a longterm fixture in the PWHL.
10. Jenna Buglioni, C, 23, Ohio State (NCAA)
Jenna Buglioni is a cerebral player who gets herself into dangerous scoring positions. She's a bit undersized, but it's never slowed her down in the WCHA against tough competition. She's a good skater, reliable defensively, and finds ways to consistently create. Leadership qualities are valued as well.
11. Ella Huber, C, 22, Minnesota (NCAA)
Plenty of speed and reads the ice well. Ella Huber deceptively changes pace on entries and shields the puck well before quickly opening into a shooting lane. Not afraid to get to the dirty areas, Huber had a strong offensive season. Member of USA's collegiate select team.
12. Abby Hustler, RW, 22, St. Lawrence (NCAA)
If you look at production alone, Abby Hustler sits high on the list of potential players who can contribute in the PWHL. She's a good playmaker, and shows attributes of becoming a power forward. Could be a player who works her way into national team discussions through PWHL play.
13. Kiara Zanon, LW, 22, Ohio State (NCAA)
An excellent skater who plays a possession game. Kiara Zanon likes the puck on her stick and rarely sacrifices possession unless necessary. Capable of finding open ice using her feet, or putting pucks into soft space for teammates. Projects as a playmaker at the PWHL level using her hockey IQ.
14. Sara Hjalmarsson, C, 27, Linkoping (SDHL)
Sara Hjalmarsson is a veteran player with good size who likes to play physically. She's a net front presence who can be a threat on the power play. Has put up good numbers in the NCAA showing she can do it on North American ice, and also now has two seasons of pro experience in the SDHL, and is a long time leader for Sweden's national team. With teams losing veterans, adding a pro ready veteran is a bonus. Not the world's prettiest skater, but she gets the job done.
15. Nina Jobst-Smith, D, 23, Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Fans are going to love Nina Jobst-Smith. She's underrated coming out of the stacked WcHA, but played big minutes for Minnesota-Duluth and Germany internationally. Rarely loses a puck battle, and does the little things right, Jobst-Smith will quietly contribute in many ways. There's a growing trend as well, showing Minnesota-Duluth players coming to the PWHL well prepared.
16. Vita Ponyatovskaya, D, 22, Yale (NCAA)
As a defender, Vita Ponyatovskaia can dazzle using her evasive skating and puck skills to slip into the offensive fray. Walking in from the blueline or joining the rush, she’s a dynamic player. Yale has continued to promote solid competitors to the PWHL. Ponyatovskaya has a high ceiling, but shouldn't be expected to carry more than a third pairing load in season one.
17. Skylar Irving, C, 23, Northeastern (NCAA)
Next in line from Northeastern's pro women's hockey factory, Irving's calling card is being a reliable two-way. Her defensive game helps create offensive opportunities. Much like Katy Knoll did in Minnesota this year, Irving will find ways to contribute, although her offensive ceiling is higher than Knoll's. Member of USA's collegiate select team.
18. Emma Gentry, C, 22, St. Cloud State (NCAA)
She's not going to light up the scoreboard immediately, but Emma Gentry can step into the PWHL using her 5-foot-11 frame to be bullish on pucks, push for possession along the wall, and set up shop as a net front player. In all three zones, Gentry demonstrates an attention to detail that should enable her to thrive as a role player. Member of USA's collegiate select team.
19. Sanni Ahola, G, 25, St. Cloud State / Finland (NCAA)
View by many as the top netminder available in this draft, how early teams will start to target goalies in this draft will depend on how many rounds the PWHL decides to run, and who loses a goalie in expansion. Sanni Ahola has great edgework and remains calm in her crease. She is technical but can break from those moments to make a big athletic save when needed. Level headed in the best and worst of times.
20. Anna Shokhina, RW, 28, Dynamo-Neva St. Petersburg (ZhHL)
Led the ZhHL in scoring by a mile with 30 goals and 73 points in only 42 games, there's a chance Shokhina actually goes higher. There’s no Russian forward on the planet more decorated than Anna Shokhina. Some might see risk in this pick, but for teams looking to recoup talent lost through expansion, this is a risk worth taking that could pay significant dividends. Still only 27, Shokhina brings a wealth of international experience as well.
21. Makenna Webster, RW, 23, Ohio State (NCAA)
Great instincts, plays a smart game off the wing in all three zones. Takes away space on the forecheck with her feet, and seems to be around the play wherever she goes. Size is a concern at 5-foot-3, but with Ohio State, she was a cornerstone of their attack. She thrives in a team that emphasizes puck possession and should be able to think her way through any mismatches.
22. Maya Labad, LW, 23, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
Labad likes to get herself to the net, whether it's as a down low option on the power play, or a midline drive off the rush. She has intriguing upside as a player who seemingly finds a variety of ways to score. Maya Labad can be inserted to a middle six to learn the checking game, but with enough offensive upside to contribute up and down the lineup. Member of Canada's national development team.
23. Anna Segedi, C, 24, St. Lawrence (NCAA)
Anna Segedi is an exciting prospect. She dances around the ice flashing elite hands and agility. Her separation speed and creativity are pro level. Few see the ice as well and it should lend her opportunities in a top six role immediately. She'll likely fill more of the playmaking role on a line, and will need to find ways to deal with the physicality, but you can't teach her skill set. Represented China at multiple World Championships and the 2022 Olympics.
24. Peyton Hemp, RW, 22, Minnesota (NCAA)
Has positive upside after four consistent NCAA seasons. Hemp as a good release and 200-foot game. She thinks the game well finding her position in the offensive zone and creating plays, but can also finish her own chances. Member of USA's collegiate select team.
25. Clara Van Wieren, C, 23, Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Highly capable at both ends, Van Wieren uses her 5-foot-10 frame to thrive on and off the puck. Another UMD product who was taught to play the game in a way that translates well to the PWHL, Van Wieren might outperform many picked above her, or, a team might see the value in her well balanced game and go in earlier on her.
26. Sarah Wozniewicz, RW, 21, Wisconsin (NCAA)
It would not be surprising to see teams sleep on Wozniewicz given the fact she's not going to score a lot. Where Wozniewicz brings value is in her speed and the momentum shift she's capable of creating. We've seen role players step into the PWHL and thrive in similar roles, and Wozniewicz has remained on Canada's radar for those same attributed. She's dogged in pursuit of the puck.
27. Dayle Ross, D, 22, St. Cloud State (NCAA)
A player many PWHL fans will not have heard of, it doesn't mean Dayle Ross won't be a fan favourite in the league in short time. A powerful skater who does the little things right, Ross is physically capable of using her body in the PWHL. She takes away time and space, and is hard on pucks. Hard to overlook her skating and the fact she's not easy to push off a puck, but highly capable of separating attackers from the puck.
28. Riley Brengman, D, 22, Ohio State (NCAA)
When the bulk of Ohio State's blueline moved to the PWHL after last season, Brengman was the longest standing veteran remaining. A good passer, Brengman likes to close shooting lanes with her body and isn't afraid to block shots. Not a lot of flash, but highly capable of developing into a contributer.
29. Hannah Murphy, G, 21, Colgate (NCAA)
While Ahola might have the international hype and reputation to go first among goalies, Murphy could also take that honor. The best North American goalie available, Murphy is calm in big moments, and uses her size and angles to challenge shooters. There will be teams looking to fill goaltending holes following the expansion shuffle, and Murphy is one of a small group who teams will believe can step in and play. Member of Canada's national development team.
30. Hanna Baskin, D, 21, Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Baskin is a solid defensive defender. She takes care of her own end, and is a skilled shot blocker. Baskin makes good first passes moving the puck out of danger quickly in the defensive zone. She's a low risk player who will be more of a distributor and defender who aims to keep pucks deep rather than one that takes a ton of shots.
31. Morgan Neitzke, LW, 22, Lindenwood (NCAA)
Coming from Lindenwood, it will be a bigger jump for Neitzke, but she has plenty of offensive skill, likes to play physical, and has a lot of upside. She could be a sleeper.
32. Lyndie Lobdell, D, 22, Penn State (NCAA)
Lobdell is reliable and makes good decisions with the puck. She's a heads up player who makes good outlet passes. Can also handle the physical play.
33. Maddi Wheeler, LW, 22, Ohio State (NCAA)
Wheeler might go higher given her reputation as a 200-foot player, Wheeler can provide valuable minutes playing a puck possession game, and wearing down opponents. Offense a work in progress, but at times players who have these other items figured out produce better at the pro level.
34. Anna Bargman, LW, 22, Yale (NCAA)
It doesn't matter what advanced stat you look at, Bargman is near the top of draft eligible players. She's there for expected goals, Corsi, Fenwick, puck control, it doesn't matter, Bargman exceeds all expectations. Her habits should lead to good pro results.
35. Olivia Wallin, LW, 23, Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Wallin is an interesting prospect who could be bigger and better than this placement on the draft board. She goes to tough areas on the ice, has good patience with the puck and a wicked release.
36. Lily Delianedis, C, 23, Cornell (NCAA)
Good metrics and advanced stats after a slow offensive start. She's a two-way player who does the little things right, and was central to Cornell's success.
37. Brianna Brooks, C, 22, Penn State (NCAA)
Advanced stats rarely lie, and Brooks has excellent possession numbers and shows the ability to generate scoring chances. Had good production with Penn State this year, a program that's about to see a wave of players challenging for PWHL spots.
38. Maddy Samoskevich, C/D, 22, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
It would not be surprising to see someone pick Samoskevich 5-10 spots higher. She's demonstrated her versatility this season moving from the blueline to center. She's strong on her feet, likes to drive the middle of the ice, and challenges defenders moving east-west as much as north-south.
39. Tamara Giaquinto, D, 23, Boston University (NCAA)
Boston University has some intriguing prospects in the second half of this draft including Giaquinto, a reliable two-way defender who doesn't flash and dash, but takes care of her zone. She makes good outlets, and defends well.
40. Olivia Mobley, RW, 23, Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Has bounced between NCAA programs but found success everywhere she's gone. Likes to drive down the ice and shows good offensive instincts. Another UMD product coming from a program that produces good pros.
41. Fanuza Kadirova, RW, 27, Dynamo-Neva St. Petersburg (ZhHL)
Kadirova is a hard player to judge. She looks slight, but also has great vision and slick hands. A six-time Russian All-Star and comes with a bevy of international experience. Worth the risk in the second half of the draft as well, considering her upside to be a top-six forward that could be nabbed later. Worth the risk in a post-expansion era.
42. Reece Hunt, LW, 2001, Lulea (SDHL)
Had her year cut short due to injury, but it wouldn't be surprising to see someone take a shot on her in the late rounds. Puts pucks into spaces for her teammates, and finds them in shooting lanes often. Great finisher in tight.
43. Brooke Becker, D, 23, Providence (NCAA)
Consistency is Becker's calling card. Becker wins a lot of puck battles, and defends well. She has good possession numbers. Lacks flash and offensive upside, but could prove a reliable depth addition.
44. Julia Shaunessy, D, 23, Boston University (NCAA)
If there were a development league for the PWHL, Shaunessy might be a second or third round pick. She's a 6-foot-1 defender who can lug the puck up ice. She has good vision and moves well for her size. Her upside is immense if a team is willing to give her protected minutes and let her game rise to the level. The problem with the PWHL is that development hasn't been a focus, especially for defenders on several teams.
45. Vanessa Upson, C, 21, Mercyhurst (NCAA)
A consistent offensive producer in the NCAA where Upson has played in many roles. Deceptive with the puck and an excellent passer. Can play in this league and has offensive upside to climb a depth chart.
46. Abby Newhook, C, 2003, Boston College (NCAA)
47. Alexandra Huszak, C, 30, MAC Budapest (EWHL)
Tons of international experience and has become Hungary's best offensive threat. Huszak is a high pace player who attacks laterally through the neutral zone and on entry. Will bring energy, and offensive upside to a bottom six with potential to climb higher.
48. Maggy Burbidge, RW, 24, HC Fribourg-Gottéron (SWHL)
Great hands and likes to be in control of her pace while entering the zone. She's deceptive with the puck. The former First Team All-Canadian is creative and led her Swiss team in scoring this year.
49. Sydney Langseth, C, 2002, Minnesota State (NCAA)
Sees the ice well and makes herself available to teammates losing coverage. Often found net front with Minnesota State. Capable of playing bottom six minutes in the PWHL and could blossom in her role.
50. Laura Fuoco, C, 22, Dartmouth (NCAA)
Big body who uses her 5-foot-11 frame to get to the dirty areas. Projects as a checking line forward who can wear an opponent down.
51. Lucia Haluskova, RW, 2000, HK PSRZ Bratislava (EWHL)
Deceptive hands. Haluskova is a high end puck handler who loves to enter the zone in control before dishing to second waves. She has never been tested outside the EWHL, but is a player that, in the right setting, has immense upside. Could take time to adjust, but could also be worth the patience and development.
52. Nicole Vallario, D, 2001, St. Thomas (NCAA)
Swiss national team player had a breakout season on the international stage and has been a steadying force for St. Thomas. Has faced the best for years at Worlds.
53. Olivia Muhn, D, 2003, Yale (NCAA)
Smooth player who thinks the game well. There's belief Muhn could be a quiet contributor who earns respect from her low risk game.
54. Darcie Lappan, LW, 2001, MoDo (SDHL)
Good season overseas, and a player known for her NCAA production. Can handle the pace and physicality of this league.
55. Madison Mashuga, RW, 2001, Minnesota State (NCAA)
Good stick, active in pursuit. She generates chances through pace and a motor that keeps running. Has the tools to contribute in a bottom six role.
56. Jenna Donohue, F, 2001, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
57. Franziska Feldmeier, F, 1999, Eisbaren Berlin (DFEL)
German national team member is a veteran of multiple European leagues. She has the experience to step in as a depth pick up and check from day one.
58. Peyton Anderson, F, 2001, DNP
Anderson stepped away from the game last season but was one of NCAA hockey’s better two-way forwards with Northeastern. She undoubtedly has the toolkit, including as a strong skater, to play in this league.
59. Kathryn Reilly, D, 2001, DNP
60. Karley Garcia, D, 2003, Penn State (NCAA)
Advanced stats make Garcia and intriguing D. Not to be overlooked. She could surprise people.
61. Callie Shanahan, G, 2003, Boston University (NCAA)
Big goaltender, has remained on USA Hockey's radar.
62. Ava Rinker, D, 2002, Connecticut (NCAA)
Defensive defender who knows what it takes to shut down top lines. She's not going to dangle and dash, but she's going to provide consistent minutes and a reliable approach.
63. Mackenzie Kordic, F, 2001, British Columbia (U Sports)
Big and mean with an edge and ability to score. Skating will need to improve.
64. Mathea Fischer, C, 1997, SDE HF (SDHL)
65. Kylie Aquaro, RW, 2003, RIT (NCAA)
66. Leah Herrfort, F 2001, Waterloo (U Sports)
67. Emily Rickwood, D, 2000, KRS Shenzhen (WCIHL)
Does the little things right. Loves to block shots and battles hard. Got a good opportunity to grow her offensive game this season in China.
68. Kira Juodikis, C, 2003, New Hampshire (NCAA)
69. Chanreet Bassi, F, 2001, British Columbia (U Sports)
Fantastic production at the U Sports level. Endless motor. Should get a look at Vancouver's camp.
70. Sarah Marchand, F, 2003, St. Lawrence (NCAA)
71. Elizabeth Lang, F, 2000, HC Davos (SWHL)
Transfered her ability to score from Canadian university to being the top scorer in Switzerland. The speed of the PWHL might be a limiting factor.
72. Gabby Jones, F, 1999, SDE HF (SDHL)
Finds her way to the net. With SDHL experience under her belt, could step in and play a quality bottom six role.
73. Millie Sirum, LW, 2000, Providence (NCAA)
A scrappy two-way forward who could become a checking line energy player. Doesn’t shy away from dirty areas and can chip in offensively.
74. Joelle Fiala, F, 2001, HC Davos (SWHL)
Solid producer in both NCAA and U Sports, carried that over to Switzerland this year.
75. Shailynn Snow, F, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron (SWHL)
Even if she's unpicked, there's a good chance Snow gets interest in free agency as a camp invite.
76. Aly McLeod, F, 2002, St. Lawrence (NCAA)
Signed with MoDo in the SDHL. It's a great spot for McLeod to play a bigger role with different styles and competition, and make her run at the PWHL in a year.
77. Sara Boucher, LW, 2002, New Hampshire (NCAA)
78. Amanda Thiele, G, 2002, Ohio State (NCAA)
79. Lauren Messier, C, 2003, Dartmouth (NCAA)
80. Jenna Goodwin, C, 2003, Clarkson (NCAA)
81. Katie Chan, C, 2003, Cornell (NCAA)
82. Jada Habisch, RW, 2002, Connecticut (NCAA)
83. Bryn Saarela, RW, 2001, Syracuse (NCAA)
84. Nara Elia, F, 1999, ECDC Memmingen (DFEL)
85. Courtney Vorster, D, 2000, Leksands (SDHL)
86. Madie Leidt, F, 1998, HK Budapest (DFEL)
87. Kristen Guerriero, D, 1999, EV Bozen (EWHL)
88. Alexis Paddington, F, 2003, Minnesota State (NCAA)
89. Marah Wagner, F, 2000, Skellefteå AIK (SDHL)
90. Cameron Sikich, D, 2003, Brown (NCAA)
91. Liliane Perreault, F, 2000, SDE HF (SDHL)
92. Chayla Edwards, D, 2001, DNP
93. Alyssa Machado, F, 2002, Penn State (NCAA)
94. Kaley Doyle, G, 2001, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
95. Mia Biotti, D, 2002, Harvard (NCAA)
96. Madison Laberge, D, 2001, Nipissing (U Sports)
97. Lauren Dabrowski, D, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron (SWHL)