Five Sleeper Picks For The PWHL Draft

In every draft, there are players who might be overlooked. Often, it's because they lack the flashy offense of higher picks, but in building a roster, specifically from scratch as PWHL teams are, mining for these sleeper draft picks could make or break a season and playoff hopes with the depth they provide.

Here's a look at some of the more intriguing sleeper picks for PWHL teams to consider in the PWHL Draft.

Alena Mills - One of the older players entering this draft, Mills could be a player teams target in free agency, but as a bottom six forward, Mills brings decades of experience and leadership, and a two-way, physical game that will help wear down opponents. Even if a team brings her in for 1-2 years, Mills, the long time Czechia national team captain who led her team to back-to-back World Championship bronze medals, shouldn't be discounted.

Daryl Watts - It's hard to call a former Patty Kazmaier winner a sleeper pick, but Watts didn't get the chance to fully show the world what she can do in the PHF last season after signing midway through the campaign for a record $150,000. Watts' talent is elite, and for whatever reason, Hockey Canada has ignored her, and the PWHPA was not an option for her. Still only 24, Watts has the ability to play in the top six of any team in this league given the opportunity, and could become one of the biggest steals in the draft. Lining her up alongside former Wisconsin teammate Abby Roque in New York or Emily Clark in Ottawa could become a home run for either organization.

Audrey-Anne Veillette - It's hard to see USports stars like Veillette, Rosalie Begin-Cyr, or Carley Olivier getting the attention they deserve in this deep draft, but Veillette in particular should not be overlooked. After twice representing Canada at the U-18 World Championships, Veillette took the less conventional route for high end prospects of playing USports hockey. Last season with Montreal, Veillette led the nation in goals with 26 in 22 games. She also added four goals for Canada in a gold medal effort at the Universaide, and was named the RSEQ Player of the Year and a First Team All-Canadian. Veillette might start in a bottom six role, but she could be a powerplay asset and climb the roster as needed. Canadian franchises will have knowledge of Veillette, but other teams would be wise not to pass on her.

Rebecca Leslie - The PWHPA without argument, had the top 25 North American players in their ranks last season. Beyond that group however, the next tier were thriving in the PHF. Rebecca Leslie, 27, is likely a player who should have made that jump alongside players like Loren Gabel, Kali Flanagan, and Brittany Howard. When you look at Leslie's resume, she excelled for Canada's U-18 roster, was a prolific NCAA scorer with Boston University, and had a standout CWHL rookie season with Calgary before joining the PWHPA. Last season however, Leslie had no goals, and only three assists in 20 games for Team Sonnet. Scoring players like Leslie need scoring opportunities. In the right situation in the PWHL, Leslie can return to her scoring ways. She's one of the few players in the draft who was born and raised in Ottawa, and if Ottawa is willing to take a chance on the hometown player, she could pay dividends.

Alex Cavallini - Goaltending depth is a bonus, and a determinant in this league. It's a bonus for teams who don't need to rush to find a goalie, but it's a detriment to players like Cavallini who is coming off a year away from the game after giving birth to her first child, a daughter, on Christmas Day of 2022. Prior to that, Cavallini had served as USA's starter at multiple events, including the 2022 Olympics and 2019 Worlds. She is a former winner of the CWHL's Goaltender of the Year honor, two-time leader in GAA and save percentage at the World Championships and two-time U-18 World Championship Best Goaltender. It's quite the resume, and there's nothing saying if Cavallini has worked her way back, a process she began in March, that she won't be a hidden gem, who could start or serve as a veteran backup, for any team in the league.