The PWHL Draft continues to creep closer, and players continue to cement their places in the rankings, or break through and climb to new levels of recognition. Here's a look at The Hockey News' Top 80 for February 2025.
With the PWHL's draft declaration period opening March 1, the landscape for the PWHL Draft will soon come into picture. There remains questions. Those questions include the status of North American players like Abbey Murphy and Lacey Eden, and European standouts including Michelle Karvinen, Michaela Pejzlova, and Hanna Olsson.
If Murphy declares, she'll be the consensus first overall pick. If she doesn't, a group of 3-4 players including Krystina Kaltounkova, Casey O'Brien, Haley Winn, and Natalie Mlynkova come into the conversation for top spot.
The NCAA and SDHL seasons are about to come to a close, and there are no more international competition until the World Championships with the Women's Euro Hockey Tour and Olympic Qualifying coming to a close earlier this month.
Here's a look at The Hockey News' February 2025 PWHL Draft rankings.
- Abbey Murphy, RW, 2002, Minnesota / USA - Murphy is planning to wait until her NCAA season is over, and also to find out if there is any news on expansion before deciding on declaration. All that to say she's still in the mix for the 2025 Draft. Murphy has incredible speed, a strong great shot, and yes, she's physical, and pesky. Whoever gets Murphy is getting a game changer.
- Krystina Kaltounkova, C, 2002, Colgate / Czechia - Physical and takes the shortest route to the net, Kaltounkova exudes power with the puck, along the boards, and as a net front presence. Defensively she is highly capable, and looks set to thrive in the PWHL.
- Casey O'Brien, C, 2001, Wisconsin - O'Brien is an elite scorer, which have proven hard to come by in the PWHL as the parity and depth of the league leaves no easy shifts or match ups. O'Brien is intelligent and finds her space, but also is willing to engage to make her space, and is reliable on both sides of the puck.
- Haley Winn, D, 2003, Clarkson / USA - Agile and a mobile puck mover. She's dangerous along the offensive blueline and in transition. With so few high end defenders in this draft, players like Winn will be sought after.
- Nicole Gosling, D, 2002, Clarkson / Canada - Rock solid and steady at both ends of the ice. Gosling likes to join the rush and can be an extra attacker. Her first pass is strong, and she is never afraid to make a simple play defensively to relieve pressure. Could be the first defender selected, could be the third. There will be a lot of team preference early in this draft.
- Natalie Mlynkova, LW, 2001, Minnesota / Czechia - Mlynkova's second half has been strong. A two-way presence, Mlynkova looks prepared to take on the day-to-day grind of the PWHL.
- Lacey Eden, RW, 2002, Wisconsin / USA - Similar to Murphy, there's no guarantee Eden declares, but if she does, she'll make an immediate impact. Eden has played a checking role with the American national team that has helped prepare her to thrive up or down a PWHL lineup.
- Rory Guilday, D, 2002, Cornell / USA - Big and mobile for her size, Guilday is a defender who will help any team in this league, likely on a second pairing. One downside to her game is there isn't a ton of offensive upside, but teams already have high risk, high reward blueliners. At 5-foot-11, her size is a major benefit.
- Viivi Vainikka, C, 2001, Lulea / Finland - The best European coming to North America next year, Vainikka has separation speed through the neutral zone and can be slippery with the puck. She's still young enough that she'll get better in North America since she's now one of the few that didn't go the NCAA route.
- Anne Cherkowski, C, 2002, Clarkson - Cherkowski can do it all. Her versatility will make her a player in this league for years to come. Her offense has improved all season, but it's her two-way awareness and speed that will help a PWHL tem.
- Michelle Karvinen, F, 1990, Frolunda / Finland - It would be a shame not to see Michelle Karvinen spend a few seasons in this league. She's one of the best all around players on the planet, and has little left to prove in her career aside from a PWHL stint. She may not come to North America, which no one could blame her for at this point, but if she decides to, teams will look at her for an immediate boost.
- Kendall Cooper, D, 2002, Quinnipiac - Likes to play with an edge, Cooper is mobile and is part of the small cohort of defenders who can step in and play at the PWHL level immediately. Has good offensive upside, but also a fierce competitor.
- Ella Huber, C, 2002, Minnesota - Huber has speed and intelligence on the ice. She can find seams and generates time for herself as a deceptive puckhandler and by changing her pace on entries. Good production this season.
- Michaela Pejzlova, F, 1997, Ambrì-Piotta / Czechia - It's getting close to now or never for Pejzlova. She can't continue to play in lower tier leagues and then hope to be successful if she does decide to come to North America. She'll be a good middle six player and it's almost certain there remains unlocked potential in her game. If she wants to play in the PWHL, now is the time.
- Jenna Buglioni, C, 2002, Ohio State - A highly intelligent player, Buglioni is a two-way player who has good speed. The knock is her size and how that will transfer to the more physical PHWL. Her smarts will help.
- Abby Hustler, F, 2003, St. Lawrence - Hustler sees the ice as well as anyone on this list. An excellent playmaker, Hasn't got a look from Canada, but should be a good pro.
- Sara Hjalmarsson, C, 1998, Linkoping / Sweden - Her open ice skating is a little awkward, but Hjalmarsson gets where she's going, and arrives with a crash. She's chippy and goes into the dirty areas. There's room for Hjalmarsson in a middle six with the potential to play power play time as a net front presence. Based on her physicality alone, Hjalmarsson will be of value in this league.
- Jenniina Nylund, LW, 1999, Brynas / Team Finland - Nylund is physically capable of competing in the PWHL, and will add positive secondary scoring to a lineup. She continues to get better as the year goes on. One of the best available European players this season.
- Kiara Zanon, F, 2002, Ohio State - Having her slowest offensive season of her NCAA career, Zanon's stock hasn't slipped much. She showed well for USA at the Euro Hockey Tour, and balances a solid attack as both a playmaker and scorer.
- Andrea Brandli, G, MoDo / Team Switzerland - If there's a player outside the PWHL who could take a job in net, it's Brandli. Calm under pressure, can face a lot of shots, and competes. If there's expansion, she'll be highly sought after, but there will still be teams trying to lure her to North American even in six-team loop.
- Skylar Fontaine, D, 1998, ZSC Lions - A top blueliner in the NCAA for years as a four-time All-American with Northeastern, the 26-year-old was named the Best Defender in Switzerland last year. Declaration is the question, but of the small group of defenders in Europe who could come back and play now, Fontain is on the list.
- Emma Seitz, D, 2000, MoDo - A two-time second team All-American in the NCAA, Seitz jumped to Sweden and has continued to grow her game. She is shifty with the puck and can turn the play up ice in a blink. Has a pro mentality.
- Vita Ponyatovskaia, D, 2003, Yale - A fun defender to watch, Ponyatovskaya can dazzle creeping in from the blueline or joining the rush. Great hands, especially for a defender, and extremely mobile.
- Skylar Irving, C, 2002, Northeastern - A great two-way forward who has contributed to the accelerated rebuild of Northeastern's program after the departure of star player after star player to the pros.
- Sanni Ahola, G, 2000, St. Cloud State / Finland - Has potential to be a starting goalie in this league. Competes for pucks, and makes big saves every game that would otherwise be goals. If no expansion, can go to Europe and start for a season.
- Clara Van Wieren, C, 2002, Minnesota-Duluth - Great size, capable at both ends, and experienced playing for a Minnesota-Duluth program that has produced reliable pros in this league. Might be a player who surprises many.
- Neena Brick, C, 2003, Colgate - A consistent two-way player, Brick is good on the face-off dot, and sees the ice well. She's likely more of a playmaker, but can also score.
- Maya Labad, F, 2002, Quinnipiac - Likes to get herself to the net, Labad scores in different ways, but they all count. She's a player who has more upside than many.
- Peyton Hemp, RW, 2003, Minnesota - There's a lot to like about her game, but will need to start in a bottom six to prove her game. Might benefit from a year in Europe to take her development further.
- Sarah Wozniewicz, RW, 2002, Wisconsin - You're not going to get a ton of offense from Wozniewicz, but you are getting a player who brings speed and momentum to the ice. She's dogged in pursuit of the puck, and thrives in her own zone.
- Emma Gentry, C, 2002, St. Cloud State - Gentry's size alone will get her a look on a fourth line in this league, and her production may actually increase at the next level. She won't shy away from anyone in the league, and can play off the puck as well.
- Riley Brengman, D, 2002, Ohio State - A good passer, Brengman likes to close shooting lanes with her body and isn't afraid to block shots. Could be a consistent third pair defender.
- Nina Jobst-Smith, D, 2001, Minnesota-Duluth / Germany - Having another predictably solid season, Jobst-Smith could be a sneaky-good pick up for a team in the middle to late rounds of this draft. She's played solid minutes all the way through for Minnesota-Duluth, and internationally is Germany's top defender.
- Hannah Murphy, G, 2003, Colgate - Having another good season for Colgate and looked strong for Canada's Development team. Murphy's main challenge will be breaking through the goaltending back log. Expansion could provide that opportunity.
- Hanna Baskin, D, 2003, Minnesota-Duluth - Solid in her own end. Blocks shots, good passer. Reliable.
- Dayle Ross, D, 2003, St. Cloud State - A good skater who does the little things right. Takes away time and space well and is used to facing top match ups night in and night out in the WCHA. Ross
- Makenna Webster, RW, 2002, Ohio State - A smart winger, good instincts, plays a solid game in all three zones. She'll get a look, but can she steal a spot?
- Elin Svensson, F, HV71- Still getting better. Using her size as a powerful player this season. Will undoubtedly develop rapidly alongside better players in the PWHL.
- Hanna Olsson, F, 1999, Frolunda / Sweden - May not declare for the draft, and was a mystery absence from Sweden's national team at the Olympic qualifiers. There are questions to answer.
- Morgan Neitzke, F, 2003, Lindenwood - Could be a sleeper coming out of Lindenwood. Lots of offensive skill, likes to play physical. She'll fight for a spot.
- Emma Forsgren, D, 2002, Djurgardens / Sweden - Moves well and continues to get better. She's a player that would get better every practice and game. Worth the investment from a PWHL team looking to finish stronger than they begin.
- Vanessa Upson, F, 2003, Mercyhurst - Sometimes players from lower ranked programs have an advantage. Upson has played in many roles and is counted on to produce, which she has, consistently.
- Lyndie Lobdell, D, 2002, Penn State - A reliable defender who plays a responsible game, makes good decisions, and good outlet passes.
- Millie Sirum, F, 2003, Providence / Norway - A scrappy two-way forward who could become a checking line energy player.
- Maddi Wheeler, F, 2002, Ohio State - A 200-foot player, seeing a boost to her offensive game after transfer to Ohio State.
- Nadia Mattivi, D, 2000, Lulea / Italy - Having a good year with Europe's top team, Mattivi was Boston University's captain last year, has good size, and is a heads up player. Blueline depth opening through expansion could get her a look.
- Estelle Duvin, F, 1997, SC Bern / France - She's a Swiss league MVP, former First Team All-Star in Finland, and was named Best Forward at the Division 1A World Championships in 2024. Duvin could go a lot higher, but there's no guarantee she declares.
- Maggie MacEachern, D, 2001, KRS Shenzhen - If expansion occurs, MacEachern would be a valuable pick up. A steady blueliner who finds ways to drive possession. Focuses on her own end first, but got an opportunity to be offensive at times this season in China.
- Anna Segedi, F, 2000, St. Lawrence - Good vision, good hands, good leadership. Slippery with the puck, Segedi has the skill and hockey IQ. Having a down year offensively. May end up in China's top league for a season, or playing in Sweden.
- Paula Bergstrom, D, 1999, Frolunda - Consistent in the SDHL and for Sweden internationally. Not a big offensive producer, but makes simple plays that keeps her team out of trouble.
- Clara Rozier, F, 1997, SC Bern / France - Continues to produce. Could she do it in North America?
- Mackenzie Kordic, F, 2001, British Columbia - Big and mean with an edge and ability to score. Would make a fourth line a lot harder to play against.
- Olivia Mobley, RW, 2001, Minnesota-Duluth - Has bounced between NCAA programs but found success everywhere she's gone. Could be a late round steal
- Elizabeth Lang, F, 2000, HC Davos - U Sports All-Canadian last year with Calgary, and now scoring two points per game as HC Davos' leading scorer in the Swiss league. Might need to go to Sweden to make her case, but also would be worthy of a free agent invite if nothing else.
- Leah Herrfort, F 2001, Waterloo - Another U Sports standout with NCAA experience. Likely going to play in Europe for a season, but keep an eye on Herrfort in the future.
- Kayleigh Hamers, D, 1997, SDE - Some believe Hamers may actually be the best defender in the SDHL. She certainly sees the ice well. No guarantee she'll declare.
- Emily Rickwood, 2000, KRS Shenzhen - 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.
- Emma Bergesen, D, 1999, SDE - Skating is the issue that will hold Bergesen back. Vision, puck skills are all there.
- Callie Shanahan, G, 2003, Boston University
- Maddy Samoskevich, C/D, 2002, Quinnipiac - Versatile being moved from defense to center this year. A PWHL team might snap her up for her ability to play everywhere on the ice.
- Abby Newhook, F, 2003, Boston College - A solid two-way forward with good offensice instincts.
- Sydney Langseth, F, 2002, Minnesota State
- Brooke Becker, D, 2002, Providence
- Alexie Guay, D, 2001, MoDo
- Sara Boucher, F, 2002, New Hampshire
- Kylie Aquaro, F, 2003, RIT
- Teghan Inglis, D, 2001, HV71 - She has a canon from the point. Also likes the physical side of things. Good NCAA career, thriving in her first season in Europe.
- Lily Deliandis, F, 2001, Cornell - Coming on after missing an early portion of the season. Has slid down the rankings, but has sleeper potential.
- Marianne Picard, C, 2002, Wisconsin
- Lauren Bellefontaine, C, 2000, MoDo - Excellent two-way forward would could play a depth checking role in the PWHL.
- Laura Fuoco, F, 2003, Dartmouth - An intriguing forward who looks like she has more upside that can be tapped. 5-foot-11 frame is an asset.
- Julia Shaunessy, D, 2002, Boston University - Unique upside given her size and offensive production this season.
- Olivia Wallin, F, 2002, Minnesota-Duluth
- Alyssa Mcleod, F, 2002, St. Lawrence
- Brette Pettet, F, 1999, Djurgardens
- Brianna Brooks, F, 2002, Penn State
- Kira Juodikis, F, 2003, New Hampshire
- Sydney Fess, D, 2002, Clarkson
- Klara Seroiszkova, D, 2001, HV71
- Jessymaude Drapeau, F, 2000, Concordia - One of the best U Sports players available coming from Canada's top program. Should go to Europe.
Goaltender Watch List
- Pia Dukaric, G, 2000, Yale / Slovenia
- Ena Nystrom, G, 2000, Brynas / Norway
- Amanda Thiele, G, 2002, Ohio State
- Skylar Vetter, G, 2003, Minnesota
- Kassidy Sauve, G, 1996, SDE
- Stephanie Neatby, G 1998, Frolunda
- Ida Boman, G, 2003, Djurgardens / Sweden
- Camryn Drever, G, 2000, Skelleftea AIK
- Kaley Doyle, G, 2001, Quinnipiac
- Jorden Mattison, G, 2002, Mercyhurst
Skater Watch List
- Mia Biotti, D, 2002, Harvard
- Reece Hunt, LW, 2001, Lulea
- Kennedy Bobyck, RW, 2001, HV71
- Tory Mariano, D, 2003, Northeastern
- Madison Mashuga, F, 2001, Minnesota State
- Maggy Burbidge, F, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron
- Andrea Dalen, F, 1992, Frolunda / Norway
- Jenna Goodwin, C, 2003, Clarkson
- Jada Habisch, F, 2002, Connecticut
- Linnéa Johansson, RW, 2002, Lulea
- Courtney Kollman, F, 2000, HC Davos
- Darcie Lappan, LW, 2001, MoDo
- Sinja Leeman, F, 2002, ZSC Lions / Switzerland
- Julia Liikala, F, 2001, Ambri-Piotta / Finland
- Jaycee Magwood, RW, 1997, Lulea
- Kylee Mahoney, F, 2003, Mercyhurst
- Sarah Marchand, F, 2003, St. Lawrence
- Maggie Nicholson, D, 2002, Minnesota
- Lotti Odnoga, D, 1999, SDE
- Madison Laberge, D, 2001, Nipissing
- Emma Nordin, F, 1991, Lulea
- Bryn Saarela, F, 2001, Syracuse
- Sydney Pederson, D, 2003, Mercyhurst
- Maude Pepin, F, 1999, Bishop's
- Ava Rinker, D, 2002, Connecticut
- Shailynn Snow, F, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron
- Haruka Toko, C, 1997, Linkoping / Japan
- Rachel Weiss, F, 2001, HV71
- Alexandra Huszak, F, 1995, MAC Budapest
- Tamara Giaquinto, D, 2002, Boston University
- Adriana Van de Leest, D, 2003, Maine
- Lily Martinson, D, 2003, Providence
- Ellie Kaiser, F, 2002, RPI
- Mia Tsilemos, D, 2002, RTI
- Julia Nearis, F, 1999, HV71
- Chanreet Bassi, F, 2001, British Columbia
- Leonie Philbert, D, 1999, Concordia
- Malory Dominico, F, 2001, Nipissing
- Maggie McKee, F, 2001, Nipissing
- Kyla Bear, D, 2003, RIT
- Anna Bargman, F, 2002, Yale
Topics:PWHL