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PWHL Draft: Midseason Rankings

Ian Kennedy
Jan 17, 2024
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Ian Kennedy
Jan 17, 2024
Partner

Here are The Hockey News' 2024 PWHL Draft midseason rankings. Sarah Fillier remains atop the list, but other players continue to rise and fall.

Here are The Hockey News' 2024 PWHL Draft midseason rankings. Sarah Fillier remains atop the list, but other players continue to rise and fall.

Photo @ Ohio State Athletics - PWHL Draft: Midseason RankingsPhoto @ Ohio State Athletics - PWHL Draft: Midseason Rankings

The PWHL season is in full swing, and NCAA and European seasons have crossed the midway point. Following a preseason, and multiple monthly draft rankings, we've released our midseason 2024 PWHL Draft rankings. Sarah Fillier remains atop the list, followed by Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes, who are all expected to step into PWHL rosters and make immediate impacts.

There remains uncertainty surrounding European players, whether or not they'll choose to come to North America, and there's beginning to be speculation that some NCAA players may opt to bypass their extra season of NCAA eligibility from the COVID season, to join the PWHL sooner.

With more viewings, we've continued to reduce our official rankings, this time to 54 players, followed by a larger group of Players to Watch.

Here's a look at The Hockey News' 2024 PWHL Draft midseason rankings:

  1. Sarah Fillier, C, Princeton, NCAA (2000, Canada) - Her performance internationally has set Fillier in a class of her own. She'll be an instant addition to a top line in the PWHL. She can score in a variety of ways utilizing a strong shot and seems to always find space.
  2. Hannah Bilka, LW, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, USA) - Bilka has been one of USA's most consistent threats and play drivers at recent international competition. She already plays like a veteran, but with the energy of a rookie. An intelligent player, Bilka is no straight line player, using her crossover and edges to change the angle of attack and evade defenders. She's equal parts playmaker and scorer, flashing her hands and creativity at will.
  3. Cayla Barnes, D, Ohio State, NCAA (1999, USA) - In a defensively starved league, Cayla Barnes will be a hot commodity. She can play a shutdown role using her on ice tenacity and sky high compete level. Barnes also has considerable offensive upside and isn't shy to use her shot from the point, or to find lanes to slide into as an extra attacker. She's on the smaller side, but play physical, and is hard to push off a puck.
  4. Maja Nylén Persson, D, Brynas, SDHL (2000, Sweden) - If the PWHL wants to lure young stars from Europe, Nylén Persson should be high on the list of players the league focuses in on. She's got years of professional experience in the SDHL under her belt, producing at or above a point per game for Brynas. She also emerged as Sweden's top puck transporter and a powerplay threat for the nation at the World Championships. She has the potential to emerge as one of the top defenders in the league in short order.
  5. Danielle Serdachny, C, Colgate (2001, Canada) - Returning to Canada's national team lineup in the December Rivalry Series, Serdachny led the NCAA in scoring last year and sits among the top five in scoring again this year. She's most adept as a playmaker, but can also finish utilizing her frame to help protect pucks and drive the net.
  6. Michaela Pejzlova, C, HIFK, Naisten Liiga (1997, Czechia) - A larger wave of Czech players will certainly be headed to North America including Pejzlova and defender Daniela Pejsova. Pejzlova has lit Naisten Liiga on fire in recent seasons. She scores at will, and has been one of Czechia's top offensive threats for years. There will be an adaptation to the depth in the PWHL, especially coming from the significantly weaker Naisten Liiga, but Pejzlova is an instant upgrade for any team._______________________________________________________________
  7. Ronja Salvolainen, D, Lulea, SDHL (1997, Finland) - Salvolainen is big, can contribute offensively, and has a world of international experience with Finland. Luring players from Lulea will be a challenge given the atmosphere there and the ability to play with top players, but it's the opportunity to play against top players that might prove tempting for the Finns. Salvolainen could walk onto any PWHL blueline and contribute.
  8. Julia Gosling, C, St. Lawrence, NCAA (2001, Canada) - Big, powerful, with a penchant for scoring. That's an accurate description for Gosling, who looks poised to grab a spot on Canada's national team. As a net front presence, and in puck battles, few are as effective as Gosling.
  9. Daniela Pejsova, D, Lulea, SDHL (2002, Czechia) - Pejsova hasn't produced like she usually does this season, but plays beyond her years, and has fine tuned her game with Europe's best team. A strong puck mover, Pejsova is a modern blueliner, and given the Czech influence on the league already, Pejsova will likely feel the North American pull.
  10. Kristýna Kaltounková, C, Colgate, NCAA (2002, Czechia) - There's players who look built for professional hockey, and Kaltounková's hard driving presence, and net front presence will make her an excellent scorer at the pro ranks. Kaltounková has chosen not to play for Czechia's national team for personal reasons, but she'd be an instant game changer for that program who needs more scoring to get over the hump.
  11. Elisa Holopainen, F, KalPa, Naisten Liiga (2001, Finland) - The 21-year-old is one of the best young players in the world, and should be a talent the PWHL focuses their recruitment efforts on. There's some question if Holopainen wants to come to North America, but if she's serious about being one of the best in the world long term, she needs to leave Naisten Liiga.
  12. Natálie Mlýnková, C, Vermont, NCAA (2001, Czechia) - She's not at the top of NCAA scoring, but in terms of impact, numbers are deceiving with Mlýnková. Don't misinterpret this, Mlýnková can score and contribute offensively, but that's not what sets her apart. Mlýnková is a gamer. She's one of the most complete players available, and does everything you'd want from a leader. She's one of the better two-way forwards around, blocks shots, forces turnovers, and takes away time and space from opponents. Plop Mlýnková onto a third line in the PWHL today and you'll notice a difference._______________________________________________________________
  13. Britta Curl, LW, Wisconsin, NCAA (2000, USA) - Curl opened her final NCAA season on a tear, and was one of the most visible players for USA in the Rivalry Series openers. The puck seems to find her, and when it doesn't, Curl can be found in hot pursuit. It will be interesting to see how the league deals with Curl's support for transphobic messaging as it will significantly isolate a large number of fans, and risk a public relations nightmare for the league.
  14. Noora Tulus, F, Lulea, SDHL (1995, Finland) - Another member of Finland's top six, Tulus continues to show she's one of the world's top offensive forwards She's allusive with the puck, utilizing good feet and hands to create separation. There are serious questions whether or not veteran Finns will choose to come to the league. If it were a lock that she'd come to North America, Tulus would be higher on this list.
  15. Sara Hjalmarsson, F, Linkoping, SDHL (1998, Sweden) - After a spectacular final season with Providence last year, Hjalmarsson is captaining Linkoping, and the Swedish national team member is scoring well over a point per game. She's strong on pucks and the soon to be 26-year-old is already a veteran despite just leaving the NCAA, so she's physically ready to compete in the PWHL.
  16. Anne Cherkowski, F, Clarkson, NCAA (2002, Canada) - Cherkowski can step onto a second of third line in the PWHL now and contribute with her two-way attack. She's a good skater, and a creative player who distributes the puck well. Cherkowski showed how her mere presence can shift momentum in her first games with Canada's national team at the Rivalry Series. She's capable in all three zones.
  17. Skylar Fontaine, D, ZSC Lions, SWHL (1998, USA) - In terms of positional needs, defenders will be coveted in this coming draft. There are several defenders who could steal immediate playing time, and Fontaine is likely one. She was a star at Northeastern, being named Hockey East's Defender of the Year three times, and earning two Patty Kazmaier nominations. Last year she was the SWHL's Best Defender. There will be a readjustment to the pace of the PWHL from life in Switzerland, and perhaps a few habits to hone, but Fontaine is a player teams will target.
  18. Allyson Simpson, RD, Colgate, NCAA (2000, USA) - If you're looking for a solid two-way contributor on the back end, Simpson could be it, and she'll be coming for someone's job in the PWHL next year. A steady force on Colgate's blueline, Simpson can defend with the best of them, and finds ways to contribute offensively, without the risk. She got the call to the December Rivalry Series._______________________________________________________________
  19. Jennifer Gardiner, LW, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada) - One thing that has set Gardiner apart in the first half of this season is her ability to step up in big games. Facing top teams, Gardiner is at her best using her game breaking abilities.
  20. Izzy Daniel, RW, Cornell, NCAA (2001, USA) - A Patty Kazmaier favorite, Daniel is scoring at will in the NCAA, but hasn't received any love from USA Hockey in her career. Great puck skills and slippery under pressure.
  21. Anna Meixner, F, Brynas, SDHL (1994, Austria) - The reigning SDHL MVP battled injuries early this season, but upon her return, would fit into any PWHL team's middle six with the ability to contribute on and of the puck. It will be interesting to see if she leads the way in terms of veterans hoping to test the waters in North America.
  22. Anna Wilgren, LD, Wisconsin, NCAA (1999, USA) - Wilgren is a good decision maker on the ice and has bobbed in and out of USA's national program. Healthy again after playing only 19 games over the last three years, Wilgren is on an upward arc. A full season and a strong performance at the Rivalry Series will do wonders for her draft stock, because there's still risk with her selection until she proves she can withstand the grind.
  23. Klara Hymlarova, F, St. Cloud State, NCAA (1999, Czechia) - Hymlarova brings the traits many who have played under Carla MacLeod for Team Czechia bring: solid two-way contributions, responsible in her own zone, and a high compete level. She's a bottom or middle six player to start, but has upside and can be an upgrade for teams.
  24. Klára Peslarová, G, Brynas, SDHL (1996, Czechia) - There will be teams looking at upgrades in net. There's no guarantee Peslarová wants to come to North America, but given many of her Czech teammates are here, perhaps she will. Peslarová is the best pro goalie available, and could certainly push top netminders on some teams in the PWHL, and perhaps take over starting duties in the right scenario._______________________________________________________________
  25. Lara Stalder, F, EVZ, SWHL-B (1994, Switzerland) - It seems very unlikely Stalder leaves Switzerland a season after committing to building EVZ's women's program, and helping to grow the women's game in Switzerland. No list would be complete without her. If she committed to coming to North America, she'd be a first or second round pick. No one likes to play against Stalder, who mixes physicality and a compete level that gets in the face of opponents, and under their skin. She's also one of the top offensive talents in the world.
  26. Elle Hartje, F, Yale, NCAA (2001, USA) - An intelligent forward who's good in the face-off circle, Hartje is a bit of a sleeper in terms of hype as she's not a regular in discussion for Team USA, but perhaps she should be. Hartje plays an smart two-way game, distributes pucks well, and sees lanes. She's been the driver of a Yale program that's been strong in recent seasons and is the type of player who could flourish professionally.
  27. Anna Shibanova, D, Agidel Ufa, ZHL (1994, Russia) - It will be interesting to see if any Russian player chooses to come to the new league. There's not a single Russian in the PWHL, nor was there last year in the PHF, although there was a group who expressed interest in jumping to the PHF. Based on her position and experience, Shibanova would be one who would be sought after, but star players can likely make more staying and playing in Russia.
  28. Casey O'Brien, C, Wisconsin, NCAA (2001, USA)
  29. Kiara Zanon, RW, Ohio State, NCAA (2002, USA)
  30. Haruka Toko, Linkoping, SDHL (1997, Japan) - Seeing the impact Akane Shiga has had in the PWHL, there will be less hesitation to take another Japanese national team player moving forward. Haruka Toko is the prime candidate as one of the top players in Sweden right now. She's quick, has a motor that doesn't stop, and has shown she can finish._______________________________________________________________
  31. Gwyneth Philips, G, Northeastern, NCAA (2000, USA) - We might not see many goaltenders chosen in the draft, but if there's an NCAA netminder who gets picked, it's likely to be Philips, the reigning NCAA Goaltender of the Year. She's on the small side, but makes up for it with quickness and working her angles. 
  32. Megan Carter, D, Northeastern, NCAA (2001, Canada)
  33. Stephanie Markowski, LD, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada)
  34. Jenniina Nylund, F, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Finland)
  35. Lindsay Agnew, D, Frolunda, SDHL (1998, Canada)
  36. Sini Karjalainen, D, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Finland)_______________________________________________________________
  37. Anneke Linser, F, Djurgardens, SDHL (1999, USA)
  38. Noemi Neubauerova, F, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Czechia)
  39. Anna Shokhina, F Dynamo-Neva St. Petersburg, ZHL (1997, Russia)
  40. Emilia Vesa, F, Frolunda, SDHL (2001, Finland)
  41. Madeline Wethington, D, Minnesota, NCAA (2000, USA)
  42. Andrea Braendli, G, MoDo, SDHL (1997, Switzerland)
  43. Rylind MacKinnon, D, British Columbia, USports (2000, Canada)
  44. Lara Christen, D, Bern, SWHL (2002, Switzerland)
  45. Hanna Thuvik, F, Brynas, SDHL (2002, Sweden)
  46. Hadley Hartmetz, RD, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, USA)
  47. Mae Batherson, RD, St. Lawrence, NCAA (2000, Canada)
  48. Emma Bergesen, D, Mount Royal, USports (1999, Norway)
  49. Olga Sosina, F, Agidel Ufa, ZHL (1992, Russia)
  50. Julia Liikala, F, HIFK, Naisten Liiga (2001, Finland)
  51. Alexie Guay, D, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, Canada)
  52. Sydney Bard, RD, Colgate (2001, USA)
  53. Estelle Duvin, F, SC Bern, SWHL (1997, France)
  54. Valeria Tarakanova, G, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, ZHL (1998, Russia)

Players To Watch
Sadie Peart, C, Quinnpiac, NCAA (2000, USA), Darcie Lappan, F, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, Canada), Sara Boucher, RW, Mercyhurst, NCAA (2002, Canada), Jaycee Magwood, F, Lulea, SDHL (1997, Canada), Kaitlyn O'Donohoe, RW, Colgate, NCAA (2001, USA), Mannon McMahon, C, Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA (2001, USA), Maggy Burbidge, F, St. FX, USports (2001, Canada), Olivia Mobley, RW, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, USA), Anna Kjellbin, D, Lulea, SDHL (1994, Sweden), Dara Greig, LW, Colgate, NCAA (2000, Canada), Kathryn Reilly, D, Quinnipiac, NCAA (2001, Canada), Sara Cajanova, LD, Brynas, SDHL (2002, Czechia), Ena Nystrøm, G, Mercyhurst, NCAA (2000, Norway), Selma Luggin, G, Linkoping, SDHL (2002, Austria), Stephanie Neatby, G, Frolunda, SDHL (1998, Canada), Logan Angers, G, Quinnipiac, NCAA (2000, Canada), Kendra Woodland, G, New Brunswick, USports (2000, Canada)

PWHL