As Jayna Hefford acknowledges, there's a wave of talent incoming through the 2024 Draft that will make the product on the ice even stronger. 2024 PWHL Draft Rankings - Final [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2MzE3NTI3ODc2MjQ5MzYz/pwhl-final-draft-rankings.jpg] 2024 PWHL Draft Rankings - Final The PWHL Draft is coming and with the official draft declaration list out, we now know all eligible players. With the PWHL's list created, here's a look at The Hockey News' final 2024 PWHL Draft rankings. From NCAA stars to European national team members, the 2024 PWHL Draft class has its stars. Sarah FIllier again remains atop our rankings, although she's not the consensus number one pick. The gap between the top several players in this draft is small and selections are going to come down to preference and positional needs more than perceived gaps in talent. Here's a look at The Hockey News' final 2024 PWHL Draft Rankings ahead of the June 10 Draft. [gallery ids="2745,2746,2747,2748,2749,2750"] 1. Sarah Fillier, C, Princeton, NCAA (2000, Canada) Top line offensive threat, can also play a two-way game. Coming out of Princeton, already owns Olympic gold and multiple World Championship gold medals with Canada. Can play center or the wing. 2. Hannah Bilka, LW, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, USA) Silky hands and a deceptive skater, Bilka weaves in and out of traffic to create scoring chances. Elite talent who won a national title with Ohio State and owns World Championship gold with Team USA. Not afraid to mix it up physically. 3. Danielle Serdachny, C, Colgate (2001, Canada) Top scorer of all NCAA players over the past three seasons, she's gifted when it comes to creating offense. Uses her frame to protect pucks and get to the dirty areas. Gold medal winning goal for Canada this year elevated her status. Could turn out to be the top point producer of incoming college players. 4. Cayla Barnes, D, Ohio State, NCAA (1999, USA) A spark plug from the blueline, Barnes is physical, makes smart puck decisions, and defends as well as she attacks. National champion, World Champion, and no ego. Not afraid to jump into the play, but can also log heavy shutdown minutes. Quickly turns pucks up ice moving off pressure to exit the zone. 5. Claire Thompson, D, DNP (1998, Canada) Olympic All-Star took a year away from the game to pursue her degree, Thompson is expected to dive full time into the league. Great skater, good vision, offensive minded. Evades pressure well. 6. Ronja Savolainen, D, Lulea, SDHL (1997, Finland) Savolainen, 26, is an all situations blueliner who uses her 5-foot-10 frame effectively. Can be nasty, can also transport the puck herself, and play a variety of roles on the power play. A multifaceted threat. Not afraid to drive into the play, and uses her mobility to find space. 7. Amanda Kessel, RW, DNP (1991, USA)There's no doubt Kessel will be able to play. She's been out longer than players like Natalie Spooner and Kendall Coyne Schofield were prior to their returns, but she's on a similarly elite level. Former Olympic and World Championship All-Star, gold medalist at both, Patty Kazmaier winner. She's got a wicked release, but is an equally good set up woman. Kessel is one of the world's top offensive players. Only question is if teams want to focus on incoming youth, or look at a shorter term veteran presence. 8. Julia Gosling, C, St. Lawrence (2001, Canada) Big bodied power forward is a good skater for her size. She has hands and likes to disrupt play by using her frame. Dangerous off the rush, and also as a net front player. A unique forward as Gosling bypassed her final season of eligibility to enter the draft. Imagine a younger Natalie Spooner. 9. Daniela Pejsova, D, Lulea, SDHL (2002, Czechia) Smooth skating and physical 21-year-old, Pejsova played major minutes for Lulea and Czechia this year. She can turn pucks up ice quickly, and has offensive upside despite modest numbers. Able to defend top lines. Might turn out to be best defender in this draft in a few seasons. It would not be surprising to see her go a few spots higher. 10. Noora Tulus, C, Lulea, SDHL (1995, Finland) Leading scorer in the SDHL and several bronze and a silver medals representing Finland at the World Championships and Olympics. Great playmaking vision and game breaking speed. She can separate from traffic using lighting quick first steps. A top six forward. 11. Maja Nylén Persson, D, Brynas, SDHL (2000, Sweden) Sees the ice well and is a mobile modern defender. The Swedish national team member can contribute offensively, but is also capable on the defensive side of the puck. Immediate upgrade to any PWHL blueline, and could go 5-6 spots higher if teams prefer Persson over the other available blueliners. Right shot is a bonus. 12. Izzy Daniel, RW, Cornell, NCAA (2001, USA) The 2024 Patty Kazmaier winner as the NCAA's top player, Daniel has great puck skills and is slippery under pressure. An overlooked part of her game is the fact she's a strong two-way player who is a 200-foot player, not simply a high end scorer. Doesn't have the hype of others without the Team USA title, but may turn out to be a better pro than many of her peers. 13. Jennifer Gardiner, LW, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada) Attention to detail is a factor in her game. Unlike some from the NCAA, Gardiner doesn't disappear in big games, rather she rises to face better competition. A lot of positive chatter around her. Was Canada's last cut prior to Worlds this season, she'll look to use the PWHL to take that final step with the national program. Pro ready now. 14. Allyson Simpson, RD, Colgate, NCAA (2000, USA) Physical, stable, and rarely beaten in a one-on-one situation. Simpson can put up points, but also uses her gap and physicality to knock players off the puck or disrupt the rush. Reliable and makes good puck decisions under pressure. 15. Anna Meixner, RW, Brynas, SDHL (1994, Austria) Great speed, shifty with the puck, and a reputation as a top player in Europe, including being named the SDHL's MVP last season. Could factor into a top six. Nice finish around the net, and a veteran presence who can do more than score. 16. Megan Carter, D, Northeastern, NCAA (2001, Canada) Tough to play against, Carter is a leader on and off the ice who isn't afraid to mix it up with opponents. She locks down her own zone first, and is capable of playing shutdown minutes. 17. Abby Boreen, RW, Minnesota, PWHL (2000, USA) A completely unique forward in that Boreen played nine games in the PWHL this season scoring four goals and an assist, and also suited up for five games in the playoffs. To become a full time player, not just a reserve in the league however, Boreen had to re-enter. Minnesota may need to dive in high to keep Boreen, who played primarily on Minnesota's top line on the left side. She's big, she provides energy, and she's a scoring threat who loves to drive to the net and create havoc along the boards. 18. Sara Hjalmarsson, C, Linkoping, SDHL (1998, Sweden) She's a big forward, who is not afraid to play a physical game. Hjalmarsson has some fine tuning to do, but the toolkit is hard to pass on. She can produce, and she can also add valuable depth. After a strong senior season at Providence, Hjalmarsson had a stellar season in the SDHL last year to kick off her pro career scoring 18 goals and 41 points in 36 games. She notched a point per game at Worlds. Will be a solid addition with a high ceiling in this league. Could emerge as a steal. 19. Klara Hymlarova, LW, St. Cloud State, NCAA (1999, Czechia) Spent five months on St. Cloud's blueline this year, played center for Czechia at Worlds, and is probably more of a natural winger. She's physical, and versatile. Hymlarova can take care of business at both ends and has a soft touch with the puck that's sometimes overlooked based on her role. 20. Elle Hartje, C, Yale, NCAA (2001, USA) An intelligent forward who's good in the face-off circle. She distributes the puck well and can compete on both sides of the puck. She doesn't shy away from any moment, and is a sleeper pick who could become a key middle six contributor in this league for years to come. Scoring line threat in the future. 21. Britta Curl, LW, Wisconsin, NCAA (2000, USA) Hard to play against. Curl is always in pursuit of the puck, which seems to find her. May be more of a third line player in the league, but with plenty of offensive upside to climb the lineup. Her off ice support for anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry and conspiracy theories has already landed her on “do not draft" lists for multiple teams. How far will she slide, and how much of an issue will the harm she can do with her platform become in the PWHL where a diverse fan base, who Curl will ostracize, is the key to the league's success? If a team is willing to overlook this, she could go higher. Given Jayna Hefford’s statements on the PWHL’s goal to be a place where people can “feel free to be themselves” [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/video/pwhl-intends-to-be-an-inclusive-league-where-people-feel-free-to-be-themselves] Curl will be, and should be a hard pass for many teams, and there will be questions to answer for whoever takes her. 22. Sydney Bard, RD, Colgate, NCAA (2001, USA) An excellent puck mover who is strong in transition. Bard is an undersized defender who is a good skater, closes gaps and takes away time with her feet and positioning. She has an excellent stick and does not shy from physical play, but more importantly chooses her places with and without the puck to keep herself positionally strong. 23. Mae Batherson, D, St. Lawrence, NCAA (2000, Canada) Likes to jump into the play as an extra attacker. Batherson has a strong shot from the blueline and is adept at finding seams through traffic. 37 points in 39 games from the blueline this season. Isn't afraid to use her body. 24. Noemi Neubauerova, RW, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Czechia) Physical, two way forward who will make her team harder to play against. Strong in front of the net, defensively responsible, and a good right handed shot. Benefitted from a season in Europe which was evident in her increased role with Czechia at the World Championships. 25. Sini Karjalainen, D, Brynas, SDHL (1999, Finland) Karjalainen's offense dropped off this year from her NCAA career, but she's still one of the best puck moving blueliners outside North America. Brings good size and can play in all three zones. Karjalainen will add much needed depth to a PWHL blueline and has enough upside to grow into a bigger role. 26. Klara Peslarova, G, Brynas, SDHL (1996, Czechia) In 2022, Peslarova was named a tournament All-Star at the World Championships and Olympics, and was the SDHL goalie of the year. Stays square to shooters looking bigger than she is. Rarely scrambling for pucks, but is athletic enough to make saves she shouldn't. If you can call it an issue, she won't want to be a backup for long, so putting her in a tandem where open competition for top spot is welcomed is the lone consideration. She wants to be in the net, and to win while she's there. 27. Stephanie Markowski, LD, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada) An excellent shot blocker, Markowski can shut things down when it matters in her own zone. She's also capable of contributing offensively. Should settle into a nice role in the PWHL given her diverse skill set. 28. Hadley Hartmetz, RD, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, USA) Of Ohio State's big four blueliners, Hartmetz enjoys jumping into the rush. She has more offensive upside than many defenders, but can also handle her own zone and get the puck moving up ice quickly. 29. Dara Greig, LW, Colgate, NCAA (2000, Canada) Greig is a feisty forward with offensive upside who should be able to provide some grit and gumption in a middle six. It wouldn't be surprising to see Greig creep up a round or two. While she can play a checking role, she's got great touch as well. Few play as hard as Greig, and her motor will be a factor in this league. 30. Rylind MacKinnon, D, British Columbia (2000, Canada) Standing 5-foot-10, MacKinnon is a rangey blueliner who uses her reach and size to take away lanes and space. A good skater for her size, hasn't looked out of place at Hockey Canada camps. Can contribute offensively. There will be an adaptation, but MacKinnon has a higher ceiling than many defenders in this draft. 31. Ilona Markova, F, Agidel Ufa, (2002, Russia) The former captain of Russia's U-18 team was a Russian All-Star this season, and top three player on Russia at the 2021 World Championships. From the slot, she can score as she has a hard shot and good release. Likes to cycle through the offensive zone finding space, and can also be found stretching the zone for a fast break. Good skater who will need time to adapt to the competition level, but has the skill set to be a top six scorer in this league in the right situation. Could be a draft day steal. 32. Gwyneth Philips, G, Northeastern (2000, USA) 2023 NCAA Goaltender of the Year, 2024 NCAA First Team All-American, Philips never quits on pucks, and can steal games. Making Team USA was the punctuation to her draft bid. Reads the play well. 33. Anna Wilgren, D, Wisconsin, NCAA (1999, USA) Wilgren is a good decision maker on the ice and has bobbed in and out of USA's national program. Patient with the puck and a good shooter, Wilgren also closes lanes well in her own zone and isn't afraid to play physical. 34. Madeline Wethington, D, Minnesota, NCAA (2000, USA) A big defender who can handle herself physically, Wethington moves the puck well and has remained one of the top defenders in NCAA hockey throughout her career. Three gold with USA's U-18 team. Looks like a 5-6 defender in the league. 35. Emmy Fecteau, C, Concordia, USports (1999, Canada) Oozes leadership, valued on and off the ice, and willing to do the little things to help her team win. Whether it's blocking shots, or battling on the boards, Fecteau is intelligent and willing. Can provide offense as well. There are few players entering this draft with the well balanced game and character of Fecteau. 36. Anna Kjellbin, D, Lulea, SDHL (1994, Sweden) It's hard to argue with the opportunity to add a veteran blueliner, who captains her national team, and has won multiple championships. She's not the flashiest, but is steady and can play reliable minutes. There were several teams desperate for defensive depth in the league, and Kjellbin should step in and immediately boost a bottom pairing, with the ability to play more if needed. 37. Dominique Petrie, C, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, USA) Petrie is a slick forward who put together four solid NCAA seasons between Harvard and Clarkson. She's also one of the rare North American players who represented USA at three U-18 World Championships winning a pair of gold and a silver. 38. Mannon McMahon, C, Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA (2001, USA) One of the best in he face-off circle this season in the NCAA, McMahon will be an upgrade to any team's bottom six, but will have the potential to develop into middle six forward. Leader on and off the ice. 39. Anneke Linser, F, Djurgardens, SDHL (1999, USA) Big right shot forward who likes to drive pucks to the net, Linser has shown she can produce in the SDHL this season. Expect her to play a role that utilizes her play at the net front and from the corners in a bottom six this season. 40. Emma Bergesen, D, Mount Royal, USports (1999, Norway) A good skater who can jump into the play, Bergesen is one of the best defenders in Canada, and she's also been the staple for Team Norway. Back-to-back First Team All-Canadian, and also named the Top Defender at the 2022 World Championship D1A tournament. Late round steal? 41. Laura Kluge, C, Memmingen, DFEL (1996, Germany) Kluge is big, competitive, a great team player off the ice, and can play a defensive checking role like few in this class. She'll make a team harder to play against, and has the upside to move throughout the lineup. 42. Lauren Bernard, D, Ohio State (2001, USA) Bernard will be a solid upgrade to a team's bottom pairing with upside to continue her development beyond that point. She's steady, and was a key component to Ohio State's national title. 43. Michelle Lowenhielm, C, SDE, SDHL (1995, Sweden) A good shooter and strong on the dot, Lowenhielm is a smart player with a high compete level. The former Swedish national team captain won't lose many puck battles and could make a team harder to play against in their bottom six. 44. Shae Demale, F, SDE, SDHL (2000, Canada) Demale has a cannon of a shot and is leading SDE in scoring. An All-Canadian last season, Demale has transitioned well to Sweden and could be a welcomed under the radar signing for a team. She can score. 45. Brooke McQuigge, F, Clarkson, NCAA (2000, Canada) Tenacious player who would fit a bottom six checking role. Plenty of character and upside, and was a dangerous special teams player. 46. Sadie Peart, C, Quinnpiac, NCAA (2000, USA) One of the better pivots in the NCAA, Peart is solid in the face-off dot. She has put up consistent, but not eye popping numbers. Still, there's a lot to like about her game. 47. Kayle Osborne, G, Colgate, NCAA (2002, Canada) One of the better prospects in Canada, Osborne has looked strong both at Canada's national team camps, and she had a spectacular season in the NCAA posting a .941 save percentage and 1.28 GAA along with a 20-4-1 record. The 5-foot-8 Ottawa product would be an excellent fit in either Ottawa or Toronto, and she'd be an upgrade to both team's goaltending depth. Bypassing her final year of NCAA eligibility, Osborne also has a longer runway as the youngest goalie who could claim a spot. 48. Katy Knoll, F, 2001, Northeastern, NCAA (2001, USA) High compete level, and steady production over her career with Northeastern. Few have the drive of Knoll. Drafted or not, she could slot into a lineup as a role player. 49. Mathea Fischer, F, 1997, SDE, SDHL (1997, Norway) Norway's captain is a veteran pro, who in a depth role in the PWHL could make a difference. She's not going to put up a ton of points in the league, but she's also not going to be a dip in momentum or a player who is a liability. 50. Maggie McEaechern, D, Penn State, NCAA (2001, NCAA) Former Canadian captain at the U-18 level and NCAA captain, MacEachern is a natural leader, blocks shots, and is reliable in her zone. Not as much offense, but she'll help any team who needs a steadying presence. 51. Alexie Guay, D, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, Canada) A two-time U-18 World Championship All-Star, and tournament Best Defender in 2019, many thought Guay might be playing for Canada's senior national team by now. Skilled defender who could be a steal. 52. Darcie Lappan, F, Clarkson, NCAA (2001, Canada) Fowards in this ranking could jump into the actual draft from anywhere, and Lappan might be one. She was excellent for Clarkson the last two seasons, showing she can produce. Will need to find the physical side. 53. Alexandra Huszak, F, MAC Budapest, EWHL (1995, Hungary) Huszak could become a late round sleeper with upside to surprise many. She has scored at elite levels across secondary leagues in Europe and Russia, and was a diving force for Hungary to earn promotion this year without Fanni Gasparics. Judging her ceiling will be difficult, but even if she's not selected, teams may try to convince her to attend a tryout. 54. Kaitlyn O'Donohoe, RW, Colgate, NCAA (2001, USA) 55. Ida Kuoppala, F, Maine, NCAA (2000, Finland) 56. Charlotte Akervik, D, Minnesota State, NCAA (2001, USA) 57. Lotti Odnoga, D, SDE HF, SDHL (1999, Hungary) 58. Shay Maloney, F, Leksands, SDHL (1999, USA) 59. Gabby Rosenthal, F, DNP (1999, USA) 60. Chayla Edwards, D, Wisconsin, NCAA (2001, USA) 61. Camryn Wong, D, Connecticut, NCAA (2000, China) 62. Nadia Mattivi, D, Boston University, NCAA (2000, Italy) 63. Abby Moloughney, F, MoDo, SDHL (2000, Canada) 64. Leah Herrfort, F, 2001, Waterloo, USports (2001, Canada) 65. Lillian George, F, New Brunswick, U Sports (2000, Canada) 66. Katie Chomiak, F, Nipissing, U Sports (2002, Canada) 67. Raygan Kirk, G, Ohio State, NCAA (2001, Canada) 68. Aoi Shiga, D, Lugano, SDHL (1999, Japan) 69. Kelly Ann-Nadeau, D, Montreal, USports (1998, Canada) 70. Theresa Knutson, F, Ambri-Piotta, SWHL (1996, USA) 71. Reece Hunt, F, Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA (2001, Canada) 72. Tatum Amy, F, Leksands, SDHL (1999, Canada) 73. Rachel Teslak, D, Syracuse, NCAA (2001, Canada) 74. Rae Breton, D, New Hampshire, NCAA (2001, Canada) 75. Rosalie Begin-Cyr, F, Concodia, U Sports (1998, Canada) 76. Sarah-Eve Coutu-Godbout, F, Frolunda, SDHL (1997, Canada) 77. Naomi Rogge, F, SDE, SDHL (1999, USA) 78. Taylor House, F, MoDo, SDHL (1998, USA) 79. Kendra Woodland, G, New Brunswick, USports (2000, Canada) 80. Victoria Klimek, F, MoDo, SDHL (1999, Canada) 81. Shannon MacAulay, F, DNP (1994, Canada) 83. Jessica Adolfsson, D, Linkoping, SDHL (1998, Sweden) 83. Alena Mills, F, Agidel Ufa, ZhHL (1990, Czechia) 84. Logan Angers, G, Quinnipiac, NCAA (2000, Canada) 85. Kara Den Hoed, D, Nipissing, U Sports (2003, Canada)
