Rookies are making an impact across the PWHL. Some expected, some unexpected. Here's a look at 10 rookies stepping up for their teams this season.

The PWHL's newest cohort of rookies are certainly making their mark this year. Some have struggled, others have faced injuries, but they're all finding their way as professionals and establishing themselves in the league. 

The rookie class is deep, including some players who are outperforming expectations. While we couldn't highlight every standout, including some like Danielle Serdachny, Allyson Simpson, Dominique Petrie, Maja Nylen Persson, Julia Gosling, Gwyneth Philips, and Sydney Bard who deserve recognition,  here's a look at 10 rookies who are stepping up for their PWHL teams.

Sarah Fillier, New York Sirens - It would be hard to argue for another first year player to be the rookie of the year ahead of Fillier. She's been everything the New York Sirens could hope for and more. From day one her ability to break games open has been evident. It's a long season and she's taken her share of bumps this year, but Fillier is the real deal. She has the shot, she sees the ice steps ahead of the opposition, and she's found instant chemistry alongside her Sirens teammates.

Jennifer Gardiner, Montreal Victoire - The chemistry on Montreal's top line with Marie-Philip Poulin is evident, but Gardiner is not riding anyone's coat tails. She's pulling her weight offensively, and defensively. Gardiner sees the ice well and puts herself into good areas. Her game looked polished from day one, and she's shown herself as a player who can rise to the occasion of a big game or big moment.

Hannah Bilka, Boston Fleet - Was leading all rookies in time on ice when she was injured at the Rivalry Series, and sat this in Boston's scoring. Bilka was doing exactly what Boston hoped, providing speed and tenacity. Her presence has taken some pressure off veterans like Hilary Knight, allowing Boston's top players to thrive in ways they couldn't last season.

Britta Curl-Salemme, Minnesota Frost - Strong on the puck, and hard to knock off the puck when she has it, Curl-Salemme plays with an edge and has consistently found ways to offensively produce. Tied for second among all rookies in hits this season, she's an in your face player who powers her way into scoring position. Currently leads the league in goals by a rookie.

Cayla Barnes, Montreal Victoire - Cayla Barnes has done everything the Montreal Victoire could hope for. While he play can be quiet at times, her impact is evident. Montreal needed more defensive depth to take some of the load away from Erin Ambrose, and Barnes has done just that. Good first passes, competes hard, and is great at jumpstarting the transition.

Brooke McQuigge, Minnesota Frost - When training camp opened it wasn't clear if Brooke McQuigge would make the Frost's opening night roster. She'd started the season in Sweden, and had a return overseas in her back pocket. There's no questioning McQuigge belongs now. She's found ways to contribute offensively and has obviously gained the trust of Minnesota's coaching staff. A tough competitor, McQuigge's style fits this league.

Shay Maloney, Boston Fleet - Starting the season in Sweden, Maloney had a rough go. She looked like a long shot to make the PWHL, but when the PWHL's preseason hit, Maloney hit everything and everyone that moved. She earned her spot, and has been earning it ever since. In a bottom six role, Maloney is a dream. She's generated more offense than anyone would have anticipated by playing the right way. She leads all rookies in hits, and is difficult to play against in all three zones.

Megan Carter, Toronto Sceptres - You could look at many different factors relating to the Toronto Sceptres' slow start. You could also look at many factors in how they turned it around. Toronto's turnaround coincided precisely with the return of Megan Carter from injury, and it is no coincidence. After the trade of Jocelyne Larocque, Carter stepped in and provided a physical, stabilizing presence to Toronto's blueline complimenting their existing group. 

Manon McMahon, Ottawa Charge - She wasn't the biggest name drafted by the Ottawa Charge, but when you look at her metics, McMahon is outperforming most players seeing similar ice time to her in the league. She hits, she blocks shots, she can score playing depth minutes. McMahon doesn't back down to any player, and it has endeared her to Ottawa fans.

Kayle Osborne, New York - Last season New York was the only team to play all three of their goalies. They've already played three this year again, but Kayle Osborne has asserted herself as a viable second to Corinne Schroeder. New York has looked confident with Osborne between the pipes, and she's looked confident in return. In the inaugural season, there was a tendency for teams to overplay their starters, but in year two, teams who have found a balance in the crease are thriving.