The 2025 PWHL Draft has strong defensive depth, but it comes in multiple tiers. Among the top tier, only three blueliners look capable to immediately challenge for top four minutes in Rory Guilday, Haley Winn, and Nicole Gosling.

Gosling is a back-to-back NCAA All-American from Clarkson. She was named the NCAA Defender of the Year in 2024. During her most recent two seasons with Clarkson, the blueliner has posted identical 39 point seasons playing 40 games both years.

Gosling is a reliable two-way defender who can join the rush and does so effectively. She's positionally strong and makes a crisp first pass from her own zone and in transition. While Gosling can join the attack, she's equally adept at playing a more defensive, shutdown role.

At the 2023 World Championships representing Canada, she was one of the teams more consistent defenders on both sides of the puck.

At the offensive blueline, Gosling sees lanes well and has a strong shot that she can accurately find lanes to thread.

A good skater, Gosling will not find herself out of place or outmatched physically or mentally in the PWHL.

She likely won't show as much flash in the pros as Winn, but has more offensive upside than Guilday. How teams rank the trio will be based on their specific needs.

Gosling has won gold at the U-18 and senior national level representing Canada, and also played for Canada national development team this season. She's as close to being pro ready as it gets.