Is it too early to look back at the summer’s draft and how the first-year players have performed? Not necessarily – there are some players who have certainly out-performed their draft position, and several others who haven’t lived up to their high draft choice place.
In a completely subective evaluation, here’s a re-draft of the players selected in the 2024 draft:
- Sarah Fillier - No argument with the #1 pick, simply the best rookie.
- Claire Thompson - Has made a huge difference on the blue line in Minnesota. Imagine Thompson in Ottawa.
- Hannah Bilka - Injury complicates this, but probably deserves this spot.
- Cayla Barnes - Pleasant surprise, smooth adjustment to the league.
- Ronja Savolainen - Impact has been so pivotal; should’ve been taken higher.
- Jennifer Gardiner - Underrated going into the draft, she should’ve been grabbed here.
- Britta Curl - Undeniable talent, second round is where she went and it fits.
- Maja Nylen Persson - Quietly put together a great season, deserves this spot.
- Danielle Serdachny - Second rounder; can still live up to her pick but hasn’t clicked yet.
- Julia Gosling - Hasn’t been as impactful as first rounders, but is adjusting as a big player.
- Daniela Pejsova - Young player, huge upside, but hasn’t shone perhaps due to injury.
- Megan Carter - Exactly where she fits - solid player, solid pick.
- Gwyneth Philips - Great future, deserved to be first goalie off the board.
- Abby Boreen - Imagine if Ottawa (or Minnesota) had taken her in third round. Great season.
- Brooke McQuigge - Dark horse pick, has created a nice role.
- Anna Wilgren - Surprisingly effective blueliner, wasn’t picked soon enough.
- Dominique Petrie - Minnesota’s later picks were smart, Petrie is solid.
- Izzy Daniel - Another pick that was made in the right position, great upside.
- Shay Maloney - Talented player who has fit in well, should’ve gone earlier.
- Allyson Simpson - Was drafted a little early, but is still a solid pick.
- Raygan Kirk - Last player of the entire draft, has played really well.
- Noora Tulus - Veteran player has more to give, but looks like a fourth rounder.
- Mannon McMahon - Great depth player, offensive game has surprised.
- Rylind MacKinnon - Undrafted - has been a solid contributor.
- Elle Hartje - Was drafted in this spot. Good college player, good pro.
- Sydney Bard - Up and down play but fits here.
- Klara Hymlarova - Another big downgrade, third round was too soon.
- Laura Kluge - Also undrafted, should’ve certainly been picked.
- Dara Greig - Fourth liner, could’ve waited to take her.
- Stephanie Markowski - Untapped potential, can give more.
- Gabby Rosenthal - Good depth player, grabbed a little early.
- Klara Peslarova - Undrafted goaltender, can play in this league.
- Anna Meixner - A good pick by Ottawa, should’ve gone a little sooner.
- Kayle Osborne - Goalies hard to rate but definitely deserved to be chosen.
- Mae Batherson - Has been a good depth defender.
- Anna Kjellbin - Another good depth defender, selected 35th.
- Katy Knoll - Sixth rounder, still fits here.
- Hadley Hartmetz - Uncertain since she’s just back from injury.
- Noemi Neubauerova - Hasn’t quite stepped into the role expected.
- Emmy Fecteau - Fourth line role, deserved to be selected.
- Lucy Morgan - Valuable goalie, wasn’t drafted.
- Lauren Bernard - Has potential but was taken too soon.