There have been plenty of players who might be leaning toward "bust" in the 2024 PWHL Draft, but it's too early to assign that label. Instead, here's a look at three players from the 2024 Draft class that are booming.
There have been plenty of players who might be leaning toward "bust" in the 2024 PWHL Draft, but it's too early to assign that label. Instead, here's a look at three players from the 2024 Draft class that are booming.
With half a season gone following the 2024 PWHL Draft, it's been a small sample size, but some members of the 2024 draft class have already stepped forward, while others have not found their place in the league yet.
From the 2024 PWHL Draft, only four players have yet to step foot onto PWHL ice. The Amanda Kessel ordeal was well documented, and Madeline Wethington and Ilona Markova didn't make their respective teams out of camp and chose alternative pathways following camp. The fourth player yet to step on the ice is Hadley Hartmetz who has missed the entirety of the season recovering from an injury.
Two other draft picks are no longer on active rosters as the Toronto Sceptres released Annika Rankila (Round 6, 36th overall), and Lauren Bernard (Round 4, 24th overall) from their contracts moving them to reserves. Others selected in the top half of the draft including Klara Hymlarova (Round 3, 15th overall), Gabby Rosenthal (Round 4, 19th overall), and Dara Greig (Round 4, 23rd overall) have struggled.
But there's also a group outperforming their placement in the draft. Here's a look at a group of players who have already turned into major wins for the teams who selected them.
Abby Boreen, Round 3, 17th overall
Sorry Minnesota, you made a mistake. Letting Abby Boreen slip by in the opening rounds of the draft was a mistake that should haunt the Minnesota Frost, but it's been the best possible move for Boreen's career, and for the Montreal Victoire's success. Boreen is sitting in the top 20 in league scoring, with only teammate Jennifer Gardiner sitting tied in points, and first overall pick Sarah Fillier above her in scoring among players selected in the 2024 PWHL Draft. Boreen is a fast driving forward who has clicked alongside her Montreal linemates, including finding chemistry with Gardiner and Marie-Philip Poulin. Gardiner herself has been a boom for Montreal at 11th overall.
Shay Maloney, Round 6, 34th overall
It looked like a long shot Shay Maloney would make the Boston Fleet roster. In 14 games this season with Leksands IF prior to PWHL camps opening, Maloney only had a single goal, and no assists. But Boston knew what they were getting because of general manager Danielle Marmer's connections to Quinnipiac where Maloney finished her NCAA career. Maloney hit everything that moved in the preseason, and has remained a physical presence, but she's done more contributing offensively and climbing at times into Boston's top six. She's making space for some of Boston's bigger names, and the team is benefitting from her hard nosed style.
Raygan Kirk, Round 7, 42nd overall
The last overall pick in the PWHL Draft is one of only two members of the seventh round still in the league. The other is Minnesota pick Katy Knoll who is often being deployed as the Frost's 13th forward. Kirk was picked as a clear backup to reigning Goaltender of the Year Kristen Campbell. Campbell had ups and downs last season lacking consistency and riding Toronto's strong play, but this season, she struggled out of the gate and it hasn't gone away. Enter Raygan Kirk who has been the more consistent of the two and has taken over as Toronto's starter. Not bad for the final pick in the draft and a rookie netminder.