PWHL Ottawa picks second overall in the upcoming PWHL Draft. They'll have a number of options who can all help shape their roster moving forward.
At the end of the season press conference, GM Mike Hirshfeld shared that he and the hockey group would be sitting down and discussing whom they want to re-sign for next season, considering they only have nine players signed to start the 2024-25 season.
“There are obviously a number of players that we’re really excited about and really happy with the game they brought this year,” Hirshfeld said. “Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be looking at getting them signed.”
Among many difficult decisions will also be who they pursue in the draft. While he was a bit mum about exactly what position he may be looking to focus on in the draft.
“There are four or five really incredible players at the top of the draft, I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them," said Hirshfeld. "It’s part of our process for figuring out where we’re going next year. Do we want to draft based on skill or are we looking at certain roles?”
The late season trade of Amanda Boulier and the injury to Zoe Boyd greatly impacted Ottawa's blueline. That’s why many believe they will look to target defense in this upcoming draft, especially considering the limited salary cap space available for free agent signings.
Many consider Sarah Fillier as the top pick in the draft, although it's not consensus. If PWHL New York does take Fillier, it will leave Ottawa with several star players to pick from.
Here's a look five players Ottawa may look to draft with the second overall draft pick in this upcoming draft.
1. Cayla Barnes (D)
The graduate of Ohio State University, who had previously attended Boston College, amassed 95 points throughout her collegiate career, is a two time Olympian and helped the US to two gold medals and two silver medals in the World Championships in 2019, 2023 and 2021, 2022 respectively.
Despite her size, 5’2”, she’s physical and can solidify a backend. She’s ready to make the jump to the pros and play top pairing minutes. She’s played incredibly well internationally and would bring a ton of experience to this team.
“She’s very composed and very smart," Buckeyes head coach Nadine Muzerall said. “You need that as your backbone to your team. She plays big, even though she’s small.”
2. Danielle Serdachny (C)
The Patty Kazmaier finalist graduated from Colgate University after amassing 239 points in 180 games. Internationally, she is very well decorated, including helping to lead Canada to the gold medal in this year’s World Championships by scoring the overtime winner.
By drafting Serdachny second overall, Ottawa would be getting a player who isn’t afraid to drive the net and capitalize on rebounds, which was something they lacked this season. She plays physical and has an incredible shot. Serdachny is a game changer and would immediately change the makeup of this team moving forward.
3. Claire Thompson (D)
The Canadian defender is a graduate of Princeton University who amassed 87 points in 129 games over her four years with the team, including as team captain in her final season.
Thompson took this past season off from hockey as she continued her medical degree, but that hasn’t stopped people from considering her a top pick in this draft once she declared.
Something that makes her an intriguing pick here is that her university head coach Cara Morey converted her from forward to defender, and she hasn’t lost the ability to join the rush, activate in the offensive zone and be a threat down low.
“She can see the game a couple steps ahead of most people,” Morey said. “She can anticipate where the puck is going to need to go. She knows when to distribute it, when to take her shots, when to rush.”
4. Hannah Bilka (LW)
The American forward attended both Boston College and Ohio State, where she amassed 104 points in 160 games played. She also has had a great international career, which includes a gold and two silver medals in the World Championships and a gold and silver medal in the U-18 World Championships. Bilka was named Rookie of the Year in her freshman year, while leading all rookies in points and assists.
Bilka has a combination of quickness and creativity, making her a threat every time on the ice and difficult for the opponents to control. She’s so confident with the puck, unafraid to take it end to end and toe drag around the defence. She would be an incredibly exciting player on this team with multiple highlight reel goals.
5. Noora Tulas (C)
This Finnish forward has been playing in the SDHL with Luleå where last season, she finished with 61 points in 36 games, making her the SDHL’s leading scorer.
Tulas is considered by many to be one of the quickest Europeans available in this draft. That speed makes her terribly difficult to defend against and one thing Ottawa lacked all season was secondary scoring, as she is also unafraid to look for rebounds in front of the net.
The inaugural draft will always be an amazing moment in the world of women’s hockey, and this second draft will be just as exciting. The draft is deep, the talent is high, and you can bet Ottawa will select a player who will help to redefine this team heading into next season.