{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/i3dbN8WN.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "Colgate netminder Hannah Murphy discusses her final season in the NCAA and her pro hockey aspirations.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/i3dbN8WN-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/i3dbN8WN.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/i3dbN8WN.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/i3dbN8WN-9BdCNxIw.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 180, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 214209, "filesize": 5756868, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/i3dbN8WN-m3NlQI7C.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 270, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 284450, "filesize": 7644596, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/i3dbN8WN-su2vbvVM.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 902577, "filesize": 24256778, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/i3dbN8WN-taWZa9n0.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113528, "filesize": 3051077 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/i3dbN8WN-otpHMNxa.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 1080, "width": 1920, "label": "1080p", "bitrate": 1957302, "filesize": 52602517, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/i3dbN8WN-JKOSWXpt.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 360, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 352853, "filesize": 9482943, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/i3dbN8WN-fjVnDNLV.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 540, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 578807, "filesize": 15555442, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "image", "data": { "file": { "url": "https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMDkzNjk0MzY5NjA1MTU1/2025-midterm-pwhl-draft.jpg" }, "caption": "" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The PWHL Draft is a long way away, but the scouting season is midway through. With a month left in the NCAA regular season, and less than a month remaining until the SDHL playoffs, time is ticking for players to showcase their abilities to the PWHL. Playoffs including the Frozen Four, and international competition like the World Championships will also be big events for rankings, but the pecking order is beginning to come into view." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The top three rounds still have question marks including Abbey Murphy, Lacey Eden, Michelle Karvinen, Hanna Olsson, and Michaela Pejzlova, as their intentions remain unknown. If there are expansion teams to consider, this draft will get very shallow following the third round, capping out around round five. Teams however will have holes if expansion occurs due to natural attrition and any expansion draft devised. The only noticeable positional gap in this draft is on the blueline where there is less depth." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "As for the Midterm Rankings, until Abbey Murphy states she will not be declaring, she will remain at the top of our rankings. Beyond Murphy, any one of 4-5 players could be the first or second overall pick. With teams now having multiple seasons of roster building under their belts, positional needs may become a larger factor, especially with very little separation between the talent level in this year's opening round and a half. Kristyna Kaltounkova and Casey O'Brien are both potential top line centers in this league which could give them the edge, although Haley Winn and Nicole Gosling will interest any team looking to pad their blueline." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "When looking at the best goaltenders available, Andrea Brandli and Sanni Ahola are the pair likely to grab the most interest, while Hannah Murphy and Callie Shanahan could draw consideration for third goalie roles." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Here's a look at The Hockey News' Midterm PWHL Draft Rankings." } }, { "type": "header", "data": { "text": "2025 PWHL Draft Rankings", "level": 2 } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "ordered", "items": [ "Abbey Murphy, RW, 2002, Minnesota / USA - Murphy has made no definitive decision on turning pro or returning for one more season of NCAA hockey, but if she does, she's the consensus first overall pick. She has speed and ability to make plays without sacrificing that tempo, combined with a great shot that makes her a potent scorer. She is always stirring the pot on the ice, and can get under the skin of the even the most calm player.", "Krystina Kaltounkova, C, 2002, Colgate / Czechia - Physical and takes the shortest route to the net, Kaltounkova exudes power with the puck, along the boards, and as a net front presence. Defensively she is highly capable, and looks set to thrive in the PWHL. ", "Haley Winn, D, 2003, Clarkson / USA - Agile and a mobile puck mover. She's dangerous along the offensive blueline and in transition. With so few high end defenders in this draft, players like Winn will be sought after.", "Casey O'Brien, C, 2001, Wisconsin - O'Brien is an elite scorer, which have proven hard to come by in the PWHL as the parity and depth of the league leaves no easy shifts or match ups. O'Brien is intelligent and finds her space, but also is willing to engage to make her space. She could be picked higher, or drop due to positional needs.", "Nicole Gosling, D, 2002, Clarkson / Canada - Rock solid and steady at both ends of the ice. Gosling likes to join the rush and can be an extra attacker. Her first pass is strong, and she is never afraid to make a simple play defensively to relieve pressure. Could be the first defender selected, could be the third. There will be a lot of team preference early in this draft.", "Natalie Mlynkova, LW, 2001, Minnesota / Czechia - Mlynkova has finally hit her stride this season with Minnesota having several great games following the break. She's looking more like she did at the World Championships, which has boosted her draft stock. The key to Mlynkova's game is her two-way impact.
", "Viivi Vainikka, C, 2001, Lulea / Finland - The best European coming to North America next year, Vainikka has separation speed through the neutral zone and can be slippery with the puck. She's still young enough that she'll get better in North America. ", "Lacey Eden, RW, 2002, Wisconsin / USA - Similar to Murphy, there's no guarantee Eden declares, but if she does, she'll make an immediate impact. Eden has played a checking role with the American national team that has helped prepare her to thrive up or down a PWHL lineup.

", "Rory Guilday, D, 2002, Cornell / USA - Big and mobile for her side, Guilday is a defender who will help any team in this league, likely on a second pairing. One downside to her game is there isn't a ton of offensive upside, but teams already have high risk, high reward blueliners. Guilday will provide defensive calm, reliability, and an ability to shutdown the opposition.", "Anne Cherkowski, C, 2002, Clarkson - Cherkowski can do it all. Her versatility will make her a player in this league for years to come. While she'll likely be counted on in a third line role using her speed and defensive ability to start, Cherkowski can also step in and contribute offensively, and will certainly get looks in a top six in hopes of finding chemistry.", "Michelle Karvinen, F, 1990, Frolunda / Finland - It would be a shame not to see Michelle Karvinen spend a few seasons in this league. She's one of the best all around players on the planet, and has little left to prove in her career aside from a PWHL stint. There's no doubt Karvinen can step into a top six. She's only this low in our rankings because given her age, her game will start to decline sooner than later.", "Kendall Cooper, D, 2002, Quinnipiac - Likes to play with an edge, Cooper is mobile and is part of the small cohort of defenders who can step in and play at the PWHL level immediately. Has good offensive upside, but also a fierce competitor.", "Ella Huber, C, 2002, Minnesota - Huber has speed and intelligence on the ice. She can find seams and generates time for herself as a deceptive puckhandler and by changing her pace on entries. ", "Michaela Pejzlova, F, 1997, Ambrì-Piotta / Czechia - It's getting close to now or never for Pejzlova. She can't continue to play in lower tier leagues and then hope to be successful when she does decide to come to North America. She'll be a good middle six player and it's almost certain there remains unlocked potential in her game.", "Jenna Buglioni, C, 2002, Ohio State - A highly intelligent player, Buglioni is a two-way player who has good speed. The knock is her size and how that will transfer to the more physical PHWL. ", "Abby Hustler, F, 2003, St. Lawrence - Hustler sees the ice as well as anyone on this list. An excellent playmaker, Hustler has continued to produce this season even without Julia Gosling at St. Lawrence. She's flown under the radar, but could be a steal.

", "Hanna Olsson, F, 1999, Frolunda / Sweden - There are many reasons Hanna Olsson belongs in North America. Her talent level is there, she's a seasoned veteran who can contribute, and most of all, her presence would help Sweden's national team take another step. Less likely to declare, but belongs in this league.", "Jenniina Nylund, LW, 1999, Brynas / Team Finland - Watching Nylund's play from the first weeks of the SDHL season to now, she's a player that continues to get better, and will play a bigger role with Finland's national team moving forward. Nylund is physically capable of competing in the PWHL, and will add positive secondary scoring a lineup. ", "Kiara Zanon, F, 2002, Ohio State - Having her slowest offensive season of her NCAA career, Zanon's stock hasn't slipped much. She showed well for USA at the Euro Hockey Tour, and balances a solid attack as both a playmaker and scorer.", "Sara Hjalmarsson, C, 1998, Linkoping / Sweden - Her open ice skating is a little awkward, but Hjalmarsson gets where she's going, and arrives with a crash. She's chippy and goes into the dirty areas. There's room for Hjalmarsson on a bottom six with the potential to play power play time as a net front presence. Based on her physicality alone, Hjalmarsson will be of value in this league.", "Skylar Fontaine, D, 1998, ZSC Lions - A top blueliner in the NCAA for years as a four-time All-American with Northeastern, the 26-year-old was named the Best Defender in Switzerland last year. Declaration is the question.", "Emma Seitz, D, 2000, MoDo - A two-time second team All-American in the NCAA, Seitz jumped to Sweden and has continued to grow her game. She is shifty with the puck and can turn the play up ice in a blink. Has a pro mentality.", "Peyton Hemp, RW, 2003, Minnesota - Hemp has started to come on in the second half of the NCAA season, and showed well at the Euro Hockey Tour. There's a lot to like about her game, but will need to start in a bottom six to prove her game.", "Vita Ponyatovskaia, D, 2003, Yale - A fun defender to watch, Ponyatovskaya can dazzle creeping in from the blueline or joining the rush. Great hands, especially for a defender, and extremely mobile.

", "Skylar Irving, C, 2002, Northeastern - A great two-way forward who has contributed to the accelerated rebuild of Northeastern's program after the departure of star player after star player to the pros. Irving will need to fight for a roster spot, but can develop into a two-way specialist.
", "Maya Labad, F, 2002, Quinnipiac - Likes to get herself to the net, Labad scores in different ways, but they all count. She's a player who has more upside than many.
", "Clara Van Wieren, C, 2002, Minnesota-Duluth - Great size, capable at both ends, and experienced playing for a Minnesota-Duluth program that has produced reliable pros in this league. Might be a player who surprises many.", "Sarah Wozniewicz, RW, 2002, Wisconsin - You're not going to get a ton of offense from Wozniewicz, but you are getting a player who brings speed and momentum to the ice. She's dogged in pursuit of the puck, and thrives in her own zone.", "Emma Gentry, C, 2002, St. Cloud State - Gentry's size alone will get her a look on a fourth line in this league, and her production may actually increase at the next level. She won't shy away from anyone in the league, and can play off the puck as well.", "Andrea Brandli, G, MoDo / Team Switzerland - If there's a player outside the PWHL who could take a job in net, it's Brandli. Calm under pressure, can face a lot of shots, and competes.", "Laura Kluge, C, 1996, Eisbaren Berlin / Germany - Big and experienced. Kluge would be a perfect depth player on a PWHL team who will likely score a few key goals. Great character on and off the ice.", "Riley Brengman, D, 2002, Ohio State - A good passer, Brengman likes to close shooting lanes with her body and isn't afraid to block shots. Could be a consistent third pair defender.

", "Elin Svensson, F, HV71- A player that just keeps getting better, which was evident by her emergence as one of Sweden's top threats on the international stage this year. At only 22, there's still plenty of runway for her game to take another step. Svensson's problem will be finding better competition. She could slide into a bottom six in the PWHL develop, or stay in the SDHL for another season and dominate before declaring.
", "Sanni Ahola, G, 2000, St. Cloud State / Finland - Has potential to be a starting goalie in this league. Competes for pucks, and makes big saves every game that would otherwise be goals. If no expansion, can go to Europe and start for a season.", "Nina Jobst-Smith, D, 2001, Minnesota-Duluth / Germany - Having another predictably solid season, Jobst-Smith could be a sneaky-good pick up for a team in the middle to late rounds of this draft. She's played solid minutes all the way through for Minnesota-Duluth, and internationally is Germany's top defender.", "Maddi Wheeler, F, 2002, Ohio State - A 200-foot player, seeing a boost to her offensive game after transfer to Ohio State.", "Hannah Murphy, G, 2003, Colgate - Having another good season for Colgate and looked strong for Canada's Development team. Murphy's main challenge will be breaking through the goaltending back log. Expansion could provide that opportunity.", "Neena Brick, C, 2003, Colgate - A consistent two-way player, Brick is good on the face-off dot, and sees the ice well. She's likely more of a playmaker, but can also score.", "Makenna Webster, RW, 2002, Ohio State - Her offensive numbers have slid, but Webster is a smart winger with good instincts. Hasn't played much this season.", "Emma Bergesen, D, 1999, SDE - Has the smarts and vision. Sees the ice well and not afraid to jump into the rush. Learning valuable lessons in the SDHL.

", "Hanna Baskin, D, 2003, Minnesota-Duluth - Solid in her own end. Blocks shots, good passer. Reliable.
", "Morgan Neitzke, F, 2003, Lindenwood - Judging Neitzke in the NCAA is a challenge as she generates most of Lindenwood's offense, but is a weaker program in a weaker conference. A physical player as well.", "Lyndie Lobdell, D, 2002, Penn State - A reliable defender who plays a responsible game, makes good decisions, and good outlet passes.", "Mackenzie Kordic, F, 2001, British Columbia - Big and mean with an edge and ability to score. Along with Leah Herrfort, Kordic is probably the best available U Sports player, and given her skillset, would make a hard to play against depth grinder in the league.", "Nadia Mattivi, D, 2000, Lulea / Italy - Having a good year with Europe's top team, Mattivi was Boston University's captain last year, has good size, and is a heads up player. Blueline depth opening through expansion could get her a look.
", "Estelle Duvin, F, 1997, SC Bern / France - She's a Swiss league MVP, former First Team All-Star in Finland, and was named Best Forward at the Division 1A World Championships in 2024. Duvin has produced everywhere she's gone and could be a sleeper pick that pays off for a team.", "Maggie MacEachern, D, 2001, KRS Shenzhen - If expansion occurs, MacEachern would be a valuable pick up. A steady blueliner who finds ways to drive possession. Focuses on her own end first.", "Millie Sirum, F, 2003, Providence / Norway - A scrappy two-way forward who could become a checking line energy player.

", "Anna Segedi, F, 2000, St. Lawrence - Good vision, good hands, good leadership. Slippery with the puck, Segedi has the skill and hockey IQ. Having a down year offensively. May end up in China's top league for a season, or playing in Sweden.", "Abby Newhook, F, 2003, Boston College - A solid two-way forward with good offensice instincts.", "Lily Deliandis, F, 2001, Cornell - Coming on after missing an early portion of the season. Has slid down the rankings, but has sleeper potential. ", "Emily Rickwood, 2000, KRS Shenzhen - Does the little things right. Loves to block shots and battles hard. Got a good opportunity to grow her offensive game this season in China.", "Olivia Mobley, RW, 2001, Minnesota-Duluth - Has bounced between NCAA programs but found success everywhere she's gone. Could be a late round steal", "Elizabeth Lang, F, 2000, HC Davos - U Sports All-Canadian last year with Calgary, and now scoring two points per game as HC Davos' leading scorer in the Swiss league. Might need to go to Sweden to make her case, but also would be worthy of a free agent invite if nothing else. ", "Leah Herrfort, F 2001, Waterloo - Another U Sports standout with NCAA experience. Likely going to play in Europe for a season, but keep an eye on Herrfort in the future.", "Reece Hunt, LW, 2001, Lulea - Had a strong start scoring eight points in six games, but hasn't returned to Lulea's lineup.

", "Callie Shanahan, G, 2003, Boston University", "Maddy Samoskevich, C/D, 2002, Quinnipiac - Versatile being moved from defense to center this year. A PWHL team might snap her up for her ability to play everywhere on the ice.", "Jessymaude Drapeau, F, 2000, Concordia - One of the best U Sports players available coming from Canada's top program. Should go to Europe.", "Emma Forsgren, D, 2002, Djurgardens / Sweden - Has shown a lot of upside internationally with Sweden. Moves well.", "Sydney Langseth, F, 2002, Minnesota State", "Alexie Guay, D, 2001, MoDo", "Vanessa Upson, F, 2003, Mercyhurst", "Brette Pettet, F, 1999, Djurgardens

", "Brianna Brooks, F, 2002, Penn State", "Paula Bergstrom, D, 1999, Frolunda", "Kylie Aquaro, F, 2003, RIT", "Sydney Fess, D, 2002, Clarkson", "Teghan Inglis, D, 2001, HV71 - She has a canon from the point. Also likes the physical side of things. Good NCAA career, thriving in her first season in Europe.", "Marianne Picard, C, 2002, Wisconsin", "Lauren Bellefontaine, C, 2000, MoDo", "Laura Fuoco, F, 2003, Dartmouth" ] } }, { "type": "header", "data": { "text": "2025 PWHL Draft Watch List", "level": 2 } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Brooke Becker, D, 2002, Providence", "Mia Biotti, D, 2002, Harvard", "Kennedy Bobyck, RW, 2001, HV71", "Sara Boucher, F, 2002, New Hampshire", "Madison Mashuga, F, 2001, Minnesota State", "Maggy Burbidge, F, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron", "Andrea Dalen, F, 1992, Frolunda / Norway", "Jenna Goodwin, C, 2003, Clarkson", "Jada Habisch, F, 2002, Connecticut", "Linnéa Johansson, RW, 2002, Lulea / Sweden", "Kira Juodikis, F, 2003, New Hampshire", "Courtney Kollman, F, 2000, HC Davos", "Darcie Lappan, LW, 2001, MoDo", "Sinja Leeman, F, 2002, ZSC Lions / Switzerland", "Dayle Ross, D, 2003, St. Cloud State", "Julia Liikala, F, 2001, Ambri-Piotta / Finland", "Jaycee Magwood, RW, 1997, Lulea", "Kylee Mahoney, F, 2003, Mercyhurst", "Sarah Marchand, F, 2003, St. Lawrence", "Tory Mariano, D, 2003, Northeastern", "Alyssa Mcleod, F, 2002, St. Lawrence", "Maggie Nicholson, D, 2002, Minnesota", "Lotti Odnoga, D, 1999, SDE", "Emma Nordin, F, 1991, Lulea", "Bryn Saarela, F, 2001, Syracuse", "Sydney Pederson, D, 2003, Mercyhurst", "Maude Pepin, F, 1999, Bishop's", "Ava Rinker, D, 2002, Connecticut", "Clara Rozier, F, 1997, SC Bern / France", "Shailynn Snow, F, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron", "Haruka Toko, C, 1997, Linkoping / Japan", "Rachel Weiss, F, 2001, HV71", "Tamara Giaquinto, D, 2002, Boston University", "Adriana Van de Leest, D, 2003, Maine", "Julia Shaunessy, D, 2002, Boston University", "Lily Martinson, D, 2003, Providence", "Ellie Kaiser, F, 2002, RPI" ] } }, { "type": "header", "data": { "text": "Goaltender Watch List", "level": 2 } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Pia Dukaric, G, 2000, Yale / Slovenia", "Ena Nystrom, G, 2000, Brynas / Norway", "Amanda Thiele, G, 2002, Ohio State", "Skylar Vetter, G, 2003, Minnesota", "Kassidy Sauve, G, 1996, SDE", "Stephanie Neatby, G 1998, Frolunda", "Ida Boman, G, 2003, Djurgardens / Sweden", "Camryn Drever, G, 2000, Skelleftea AIK", "Kaley Doyle, G, 2001, Quinnipiac" ] } } ] }

2025 PWHL Draft: Midterm Rankings