Countdown to the 2025 PWHL Draft
The countdown to the 2025 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft has begun, with the event set for Tuesday night when 48 players will be chosen by the league’s eight franchises, which now includes new teams from Seattle and Vancouver. This year, nearly 200 players are hoping to make their mark on the league, with hopefuls hailing from various backgrounds including the NCAA, USports, and European leagues.
Notable Players and Team Strategies
As the draft approaches, the situation is quite different from the last two years, which featured standout national team athletes like Taylor Heise and Sarah Fillier. This year’s crop is led by an impressive trio of collegiate players: Casey O’Brien, the winner of the Patty Kazmaier Award, U.S. defender Haley Winn, and Czech forward Kristýna Kaltounková. Unlike previous drafts, there is no clear consensus for the top pick, making the choices for the New York Sirens—who hold the first overall selection—particularly intriguing.
“They could go in different directions, considering their need for a premier center like O’Brien or their aim to strengthen their defense with Winn, especially since their head coach has a strong connection with Kaltounková from his time at Colgate.”
Other notable players in the draft include high-performing defenders Nicole Gosling and Rory Guilday, along with Finnish offensive powerhouse Michelle Karvinen. As expressed by coaches, GMs, and agents across the league, the depth of talent diminishes after the second round, though there are still skilled players available later on.
Player Spotlights
O’Brien had a spectacular season with the Wisconsin Badgers, leading NCAA hockey in scoring with an impressive 88 points in just 41 games, earning recognition as the best player in college hockey from her coach. With an exceptional ability to create plays and a noted defensive responsibility, she could make an instant impact in the PWHL.
Winn is regarded as the top defender in this draft class, having been dubbed a top-10 Patty Kazmaier finalist and earning honors as the Player and Defender of the Year in ECAC. She showcased her offensive prowess by being the second-highest scoring defender nationally and continues to cement her reputation as a formidable presence on Team USA’s blue line.
Kaltounková, on the other hand, displayed her scoring potential by being among the NCAA’s top ten in goals and leading her national team in scoring during the women’s world championships. Her strength and effective shooting make her a valuable asset in any lineup. Additionally, players like Gosling and Guilday offer dynamic defensive options, with both having excelled throughout their collegiate careers.
Meanwhile, Karvinen stands out as an experienced European forward with a track record as Finland’s leading scorer in international competition. Despite her age at 35, her ability to keep pace with younger players could appeal to teams in search of skillful veterans to add depth to their rosters.
The Excitement Ahead
The draft will undoubtedly be an exciting event, as franchises look to build competitive teams in the evolving landscape of women’s hockey.
