No player received a bigger individual ovation at the 2026 PWHL Draft than Laila Edwards, and no player has quickly captured the interests of the entire hockey world more than Edwards. From the PWHL and NHL Draft, to the Olympics, and social media, Edwards has become the face of the game.
Laila Edwards is already a household name in women's hockey circles. Her reputation grew again this year as she was named a tournament All-Star winning Olympic gold with Team USA this year. And since then, Edwards has been everywhere. When the puck drops on the 2026-27 PWHL season however, Laila Edwards will be in San Jose where she's already become the face of the franchise.
The 2025-26 season was another significant one for Edwards. Her rise started at the 2022 U-18 World Championships where Edwards was named tournament MVP. Joining the University of Wisconsin, her star continued to climb as a First Team All-American and NCAA champion. In 2024 Edwards was named the World Championship MVP, her first Worlds with Team USA.
That moment was another significant first, as Edwards' performance at the 2024 World Championships marked the first time a Black woman had represented Team USA at the World Championships. She did that as a forward.
When Edwards made her Olympic debut in Milan, helping USA win gold and earning All-Star honors, she did so as a defender, transitioned by the national program to fill a positional and program need.
The versatility of the 6-foot-1 star is a major selling feature. With PWHL San Jose, who selected Edwards fourth overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft, Edwards will either serve as the team's #1 defender, or their top line right wing. Perhaps at times she'll be both.
Edwards will also be more to PWHL San Jose than their best player on-ice; as her resume, and numerous public appearances recently, have made Edwards the early face of PWHL San Jose.
Recently, those appearances included announcing the San Jose Sharks' first round pick, second overall, at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo.
In the days leading up to her own selection, Edwards was serving as grand marshal for a Dream Big Parade, honouring her successes in her hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
“Laila represents the very best of Cleveland Heights and Cuyahoga County,” said Cuyahoga County councilman Michael Houser. “She has made history, inspired young athletes, and given our community so much to celebrate. This is a chance for all of us to come together and recognize a hometown hero whose achievements continue to make us proud.”
Now, Edwards is set to bring that impact to San Jose as the soon-to-be superstar and PWHL rookie will be the name to watch both on and off the ice in the Bay Area next season.
