Few defenders on the planet will draw as much interest in the PWHL Draft this year as Finland's Ronja Savolainen, a big and skilled blueliner.
Ronja Savolainen is considered one of the top prospects for the 2024 PWHL DraftRonja Savolainen has a combination of skills coveted in the PWHL. The 5-foot-10 blueliner can skate, she's physical, and she can generate offense from the back end and by jumping into the rush.
A long time leader of Finland's national team, Savolainen, 26, has a mean streak that will allow her to handle the everyday physicality of the PWHL. She can also transport the puck from her own zone, or jump into the rush.
Playing for Lulea this season in the SDHL, Savolainen scored 11 goals and 29 points in 35 games. With five World Championship and two Olympic medals, Savolainen is a seasoned veteran, and will be one of the first players off the board at the 2024 PWHL Draft.
With her unique combination of skills, Savolainen will be used in all special team circumstances, and often can be found playing a net front or the bumper position on the powerplay.
With the puck Savolainen quickly gets her feet moving up ice and is a strong puck distributor, but can transport the puck through zones herself.
There was a shortage of elite defenders in the PWHL this season, and Savolainen will be an immediate upgrade to any top four in the league.