2026 PWHL Mock Draft: Projecting all 72 picks
It’s that time again!
While it took the league a long time to figure out how it wanted to structure the 2026 PWHL Draft, we finally know the format and where teams will be picking on Wednesday night in Detroit.
This year’s event is going to be one of the most intriguing, as there hasn’t been this much talent in a single draft since the inaugural in 2023. Players who have already established themselves as stars in college, Europe, and on the international stage are set to hear their names called in the expanded format.
With that, Hunter Crowther and Tyler Kuehl come together to predict how the six-round, 72-pick draft will play out. Hunter has assumed the role of general manager of the five Canadian teams and the Seattle Torrent, while Tyler will act as leader of the remaining six franchises.
Let’s go!
Round 1
1. Vancouver Goldeneyes: Caroline Harvey, D (Wisconsin, NCAA)
Hunter: There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been written or spoken ad nauseum. A generational talent who may already be one of the best players in the world, Caroline Harvey was the MVP at the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping the U.S. win gold. She also led the Wisconsin Badgers to three national championships and won the Patty Kazmaier as the NCAA’s top player. The Goldeneyes are getting someone who will make them a Walter Cup contender before the first puck drops — and no, that’s not hyperbole.
2. Seattle Torrent: Abbey Murphy, F (Minnesota, NCAA)
Hunter: An offensive juggernaut who would be the No. 1 pick in any of the previous PWHL Drafts if it weren’t for a player of Harvey’s caliber, Abbey Murphy finished as the sixth-highest goal scorer in NCAA history and 12th on the all-time points list, closing out her time at the University of Minnesota with 143 goals and 118 assists for 261 points in five seasons. Her relentless pursuit of the puck and ability to drag her teammates into the fight are just as impressive as her offensive production. She will be a future PWHL captain and league scoring champion.
3. PWHL Las Vegas (From DET): Laila Edwards, D (Wisconsin, NCAA)
Tyler: While I think many people are still irked that Las Vegas has been forced to sign-and-trade Hilary Knight to Detroit, the team in Sin City has a chance to pick two top-notch players in the opening round. With that, it would be silly for Dominique DiDia to take anyone other than Laila Edwards. Arguably the most physically dominant player of her class, she has shown she be an exceptional offensive threat while also being able to be tough to beat in her own zone.
4. PWHL San Jose: Kirsten Simms, F (Wisconsin, NCAA)
Tyler: Had Detroit kept its pick, I think Simms would’ve been heading back to her home state. Instead, the Plymouth, Mich. native falls right into the hands of Troy Ryan, who needs some offense after a rather mediocre list of forwards signed during the expansion process. Simms is one of the most exciting players to watch in college hockey, and has the ability to flourish in the league.
5. PWHL Las Vegas: Tessa Janecke, F (Penn State, NCAA)
Tyler: While Janecke’s NCAA numbers might be inflated because of the conference she played in, what has made her a touted prospect has been her ability to shine on the world stage. She has shown she can play with big names like Alex Carpenter and Hilary Knight. Skilled, strong on the puck and great vision. Janecke is a top-notch player all around.
6. PWHL Hamilton: Lacey Eden, F (Wisconsin, NCAA)
Hunter: If Hamilton is looking to win early, there may not be a better addition than Lacey Eden. The two-way winger is the only player in NCAA history to win four national championships, and she finished her career at Wisconsin with three 50-point seasons. Her versatility will be a major tool in her development, as you can put her on the top line with power-play minutes, or ask her to focus on the defensive side of the puck.
7. New York Sirens: Andrea Brandli, G (Frolunda, SDHL)
Tyler: I know what you’re thinking…a goalie in the first round? Well, given that the Sirens just lost their starting goaltender in Kayle Osborne, and the best goaltender outside of North America is available (with teams like Detroit and Seattle needing a true No. 1 goaltender as well), it would be ill-advised for Pascal Daoust to wait around to take Brandli. She has shown so many times that she can give her team a chance to win, regardless of the opponent.
8. Toronto Sceptres: Thea Johansson, F (Minnesota Duluth, NCAA)
Hunter: The Swedish winger scored 68 goals in her college career and scored at least 16 times in each of her four NCAA seasons. What pushed her draft stock up was her performance at the Olympics last February, where she led Sweden with four goals and seven points, helping Sweden reach the bronze medal game. Her size and skating will help her acclimate to the pro game.
9. Minnesota Frost: Emma Peschel, D (Ohio State, NCAA)
Tyler: After losing Mae Batherson and Kendall Cooper to Las Vegas, I think the Frost need to focus on the blue line. So, why not sign another exceptional rearguard from the Buckeyes? Peschel is a borderline U.S. National Team player who moves the puck well and is a stagnant force in her own zone. For a Minnesota team that gave up so many chances last year, she’s the player to pick.
10. Boston Fleet: Petra Nieminen, F (Lulea, SDHL)
Tyler: Probably the best skater outside of North America in this draft, Nieminen has been one of the best offensive weapons in the SDHL for the past few years. She brings a ton of experience in playing for Finland on the world stage, and for a Fleet team that has become synonymous with struggling to score in key moments, Nieminen can provide a boost up front.
11. Ottawa Charge: Issy Wunder, C (Princeton, NCAA)
Hunter: With Brianne Jenner and Emily Clark heading to Hamilton, a prospect like Issy Wunder could provide a massive boost to a Charge lineup that’s looking to stay in contention for a Walter Cup. The 5-foot-11 forward has experience stepping in to fill massive voids, as she scored 56 goals for Princeton in the two seasons since Sarah Fillier turned pro.
12. Montreal Victoire: Josefin Bouveng, F (Minnesota, NCAA)
Hunter: Some draft boards have Josefin Bouveng lower in their draft boards, especially after scoring just one goal for Sweden at the Olympics, but she’s proven to be a productive player at both the U.S. collegiate level and in the SDHL. If given the chance to produce, she could find herself in a top-six role in no time.
Round 2
13. Vancouver Goldeneyes: Grace Dwyer, D (Cornell, NCAA)
Hunter: The Goldeneyes will get a highly reliable blueliner in Grace Dwyer, someone who can shut down opponents in her own end and get in on the offensive rush when it’s safe to do so. While she recorded two 20-point seasons at Cornell, she also finished her college career with 128 penalty minutes and wasn’t afraid to clear the crease after the whistle.
14. Seattle Torrent: Vivian Jungels, D (Wisconsin, NCAA)
Hunter: While all the attention at Wisconsin was on Harvey, it was Vivian Jungels who provided the stay-at-home defense coaches crave. A strong skater with a good first pass, she has the hockey IQ that helps blueliners remain steady against highly skilled opponents. I can see her being one of the diamonds in the rough in this year’s draft.
15. PWHL Detroit: Nelli Laitinen, D (Minnesota, NCAA)
Tyler: Agile, efficient and fun to watch. Laitinen has been tasked with playing some tough matchups in the ever-competitive WCHA, and has excelled in her role with the Golden Gophers. She might not be able to match her previous level of offensive production in the PWHL, but she can be used in a variety of ways on the new team in Detroit.
16. PWHL San Jose: Lily Shannon, F (Northeastern, NCAA)
Tyler: I might be going a little off the board with this pick, but Shannon was one of the more underrated scorers in college hockey last year. On a Huskies team that made it to the Women’s Frozen Four, the senior was the spark plug that powered the offense, helping Northeastern retain its status as one of the best teams in Hockey East. For a San Jose that needs all the help it can get, offensively, picking Shannon would be the right call.
17. PWHL Las Vegas: Elisa Holopainen, F (Frolunda, NCAA)
Tyler: While she isn’t as highly-regarded as her fellow Finn Nieminen, Holopainen is another extremely skilled player who has the hands to be one of the better playmakers in the PWHL. There might be an adjustment in terms of the style of play, but Holopainen can produce at a high level if put with the right cast of characters.
18. PWHL Hamilton: Sara Swiderski, D (Ohio State, NCAA)
Hunter: One of the draft’s best skaters, Sara Swiderski may not be the most productive defender, but she’ll carve a role for herself quickly. Her 5-foot-9 frame helps in corner battles and she can lift the puck from a forward and send it the other way in no time.
19. New York Sirens: Sydney Morrow, D (Minnesota, NCAA)
Tyler: Morrow was someone that I wasn’t all that high on earlier in the season, but she’s at the front of a lot of people’s minds now. She’s averaged over 30 points a season over the past three years in Minneapolis, and is a stout blueliner that can play top-four minutes right away.
20. Toronto Sceptres: Elyssa Biederman, C (Colgate, NCAA)
Hunter: Elyssa Biederman had two 50-point seasons at Colgate and was one of the school’s most productive players in its history, but her 5-foot-1 frame may keep teams from taking her early in the draft. But like fellow small forward Emma Maltais, Biederman is relentless on the puck and provides a spark on every shift.
21. Minnesota Frost: Sloane Matthews, F (Ohio State, NCAA)
Tyler: On a pretty strong Ohio State team, Matthews went unnoticed at times thanks to the spotlight being on Joy Dunne and Jocelyn Amos. Yet, she’s still a player who can put the puck in the net with her hands and shot, adding to an already impressive offensive powerhouse in Minnesota.
22. PWHL Detroit (from BOS): Viivi Vainkikka, F (Brynas, SDHL)
Tyler: Depending on who you ask, Vainikka is the second or third-best player coming over from the SDHL. There’s no question that she’s immensely talented, but her fluctuating production gives me a sense that she might need to work her way up the lineup. That said, if placed with the right players in Detroit, she can certainly succeed.
23. Ottawa Charge: Tereza Pistekova, C (SDE, SDHL)
Hunter: The Czech forward has the size and hockey IQ to unlock a full-time spot in a team’s top-nine forward group, and she’s versatile in that she can play either center or wing, as well as kill penalties. She would also fit in with the Charge’s history of developing European players.
24. Montreal Victoire: Casey Borgiel, D (Colgate, NCAA)
Hunter: The Victoire could get a talented right-handed defender in Casey Borgiel, who in her two seasons at Colgate produced 50 points, including 21 last season. A strong skater with great puck-moving skills, Borgiel may turn into a legitimate top-four defender after a few seasons of getting accustomed to the pro game.
Round 3
25. Vancouver Goldeneyes: Tova Henderson, D (Minnesota Duluth, NCAA)
Hunter: A solid defender who can provide some offense when need be, Henderson has been a key part to Duluth being one of the more competitive teams in the WCHA, and can provide a spark to a Vancouver team that needs help on the blue line.
26. Seattle Torrent: Jules Constantinople, D (Northeastern, NCAA)
Hunter: Like the Goldeneyes, the Torrent need to strengthen their back end. Constantinople was critical in Northeastern’s performance last year, and can be an exceptional two-way asset to fill some holes in the Emerald City.
27. Boston Fleet (from DET): Rhea Hicks, F (Clarkson, NCAA)
Tyler: Hicks had a rather down year for a retooling Clarkson team. She was one of the top returners after Haley Winn and Nicole Gosling entered the pro ranks, but wasn’t able to find the same level of success. That said, there are many parts to her game that can translate to the PWHL, though she might have some growing pains early on.
28. PWHL San Jose: Avi Adam, F (Cornell, NCAA)
Tyler: On a Doug Derraugh team that is defense-first, it’s been hard for players like Adam to show what they can do with the puck. However, her ability to be a shutdown player in her own zone is what will make her an important piece in the PWHL. Her traits are what make her a Troy Ryan Special.
29. PWHL Las Vegas: Tia Chan, G (Connecticut, NCAA)
Tyler: With DiDia electing to sign Nicole Hensley, Las Vegas is going to need a strong netminder ready to back her up. Tia Chan has been one of college hockey’s top netminders for the past few years, and has carried UConn to success. She could start out like Gwyneth Philips, and slowly start to receive more playing time as the season wears on.
30. PWHL Hamilton: Alyssa Regalado, D (Cornell, NCAA)
Hunter: One of the best blueliners outside of the WCHA last season, Regalado brings speed and awareness in her own zone, and was one of Derraugh’s favorites. She has the ability to immediately be in Hamilton’s top-four, as well as one of the team’s PK units.
31. New York Sirens: Kyla Josifovic, F (Connecticut, NCAA)
Tyler: While some might scoff at the overall quality of Hockey East, Josifovic has proven to be a solid offensive weapon that helped give support to Chan during the duo’s tenure with the Huskies. If she can develop the defensive side of her game some more, she’ll be a very useful piece in New Jersey.
32. Toronto Sceptres: Jade Iginla, F (Brown, NCAA)
Hunter: It’s hard to shine when playing at Brown, but if there’s anything we’ve learned from Toronto, they love to sign hard-nosed depth players. Iginla brings that and then some to the ice, making her an instant asset in the PWHL.
33. Minnesota Frost: Jamie Nelson, F (Minnesota, NCAA)
Tyler: A solid player at Minnesota State who utilized the transfer portal to bolster her stock. Nelson was able to thrive in a depth role with the Golden Gophers last season, showcasing her two-way game that will benefit a Frost team seeking some depth.
34. PWHL Detroit (from BOS): McKenna Van Gelder, F (Cornell, NCAA)
Tyler: While Detroit has a lot of scoring threats, they might want to start looking at adding some defensive structure to its forward group. Van Gelder brings a lot of that ability from her time with the Big Red, and can be a two-way player who benefits the team in Hockeytown.
35. Ottawa Charge: Jordan Ray, F (Yale, NCAA)
Hunter: An excellent playmaker, Ray has been a constant generator of offense with the Bulldogs over the past few years. Someone who would be the PWHL’s first player from Florida, she uses her speed to create space for herself and her teammates.
36. Montreal Victoire: Zoe Uens, D (Quinnipiac, NCAA)
Hunter: Uens isn’t the spotlight-grabbing player that some other are at her position, but she’s incredibly reliable and was solid on an exceptional Quinnipiac team. Given how Montreal lost a couple of defenders in the expansion process, she might be worth taking a swing at.
Round 4
37. Vancouver Goldeneyes: Grace Elliott, F (U. of British Columbia, USPORTS)
Hunter: I know I’m going off the board a little bit here, but why not have some Vancouver flavor on the Goldeneyes? Standing at 6-foot-2, Elliott brings size and physicality, and could be a menace to play against.
38. Seattle Torrent: Emerson Jarvis, F (Quinnipiac, NCAA)
Hunter: In a league where speed kills, Jarvis has that, and then some. She has the work ethic that would be appreciated by Seattle fans, and could be an exciting player to watch with the right pieces around her.
39. PWHL Detroit: Hailey MacLeod, G (Ohio State, NCAA)
Tyler: The one position Detroit has yet to address is goaltending. While I don’t think that Hailey MacLeod is ready to be a starter in the PWHL, she can certainly begin her pro career as a backup or 1B, and work her way into more playing time as the season goes along.
40. PWHL San Jose: Katelyn Roberts, F (Penn State, NCAA)
Tyler: Everyone looks at what Janecke has done at Penn State, but Roberts has quietly been one of the more exciting players in Hockey Valley over the past couple of years. She might not light up the statsheet right away in the new league, but she has the tools to develop into a solid secondary scorer.
41. PWHL Las Vegas: Laura Fortino, D (Real Torino, Italy)
Tyler: I think I speak for a lot of people when I say how surprised I was to see Fortino play at such a high level at the Olympics in February. The former Canadian nationalist played big minutes for Italy in the tournament, and proved that, at 35, she can still hang with the best of them.
42. PWHL Hamilton: Brooke Disher, D (Ohio State, NCAA)
Hunter: A simple, yet solid blueliner, Disher doesn’t have a lot of flahs in her game, but then again, why would you want anything more from a defender?
43. New York Sirens: Madelyn Christian, F (Penn State, NCAA)
Tyler: Another underappreciated Nittany Lion, Christian has quick feet, which is important if you want to get ahead in this league. Maybe not the most efficient scorer, but what she lacks in offensive production, she makes up for in work ethic.
44. Toronto Sceptres: Carina DiAntonio, F (Yale, NCAA)
Hunter: Not the biggest player in the draft, but don’t let that foot you, DiAntonio can rip the puck. She can provide a substantial offensive boost to a Sceptres that finished with a league-worst 51 goals scored.
45. Minnesota Frost: Stephanie Bourque, D (Union, NCAA)
Tyler: Don’t let the name distract you, Bourque is a respectable blueliner who played on a Union team that was shorthanded compared to the top dogs in the ECAC. She makes an excellent first pass and hardly ever gets caught out of position.
46. Boston Fleet: Luisa Welcke, F (Boston University, NCAA)
Tyler: Let me preface this by saying that Hunter and I both think that a Sedin-like deal will be made to have the Welcke twins on the same team. Starting off with Luisa, she has great awareness and vision that has made her an exceptional player on the international stage, as well as with the Terriers. Her production subsided on a pretty mediocre BU team this year, but she has speed and a scoring touch that could be used in a depth role in the PWHL.
47. Ottawa Charge: Lilli Welcke, F (Boston University, NCAA)
Hunter: Many of Luisa’s traits are evident in Lilli, though she might have a slightly more playmaker’s mindset than her sister. Lilli has quick hands and the ability to feed passes through tight areas that make her fun to watch.
48. Montreal Victoire: Michelle Pasiechynk, G (Boston University, NCAA)
Hunter: Depending on what the Victoire does with Sandra Abstreiter, Pasiechynk might be a quality choice for either a backup or third-string goaltender.
Round 5
49. Vancouver Goldeneyes: Brette Pettet, F (Djurgardens, SDHL)
Hunter: A player with a winning pedigree, Pettet experienced success with Canada at the U-18 level before playing for Wisconsin. Since joining the SDHL, she has developed into a top-notch leader and excellent all-around player.
50. Seattle Torrent: MaryKate O’Brien, F (Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA)
Hunter: Physical and tenacious, something the Torrent needs if they want more success in Year 2. O’Brien’s numbers might not be eye-popping, but she is known to put the puck in the net by using her physical style of play.
51. PWHL Detroit: Sara Stewart, F (Colgate, NCAA)
Tyler: Stewart brings an intangible as being one of the veteran leaders at Colgate, and can provide a spark lower in the lineup. She might not big numbers producer, but she has what it takes to make it onto a PWHL roster.
52. PWHL San Jose: Sena Catterall, F (Clarkson, NCAA)
Tyler: Another player that produced on a solid program in the ECAC, Catterall can certainly be a solid offensive piece in San Jose, though she has some work to do in order to be an all-around player.
53. PWHL Las Vegas: Meghan Agosta, F (DNP)
Tyler: One of the greatest players of all time is looking to give the PWHL a shot. At 39, and having not played since 2018, her physical status is in question, but she certainly has the skill and experience that would benefit any team.
54. PWHL Hamilton: Megan McKay, D (Clarkson, NCAA)
Hunter: Hamilton needs to add more defense, and McKay is an underrated blueliner with size and the ability to play on either side, making her someone who can fit wherever she is needed.
55. New York Sirens: Emma-Sofie Nordstrom, G (St. Lawrence, NCAA)
Tyler: I had Nordstrom pretty high on my board earlier in the year, but I do wonder if her late-season injury might put teams off. That said, the Sirens could use another young goaltender in their arsenal.
56. Toronto Sceptres: Alexis Petford, F (Colgate, NCAA)
Hunter: A NEWHA product who transferred to Colgate, Petford is a spirited player who has the determination to make the lineup by any means necessary. She might have to earn her contract through training camp, but she can skate with the best of them.
57. Minnesota Frost: Lara Beecher, F (Clarkson, NCAA)
Tyler: Yes, the hits just keep on coming for the Golden Knights. Beecher just had her best season at Clarkson, using an adequate playmaking ability to shine at the collegiate level.
58. Boston Fleet: Grace Wolfe, D (St. Cloud State, NCAA)
Tyler: Wolfe has always been a reliable piece in her own zone, but she showed glimpses of her offensive prowess in her final season with the Huskies. If she can find that in the PWHL, she’ll be a useful piece in Boston.
59. Ottawa Charge: Reichen Kirchmair, F (Providence, NCAA)
Hunter: Kirchmair was one of the key players on a Friars team that struggled to keep up with some of the top teams in the HEA, but the former Canada U-18 member has been able to work on her defensive game.
60. Montreal Victoire: Leah Stecker, D (Penn State, NCAA)
Hunter: The Nittany Lions best blueliner over the past couple of years has proven she can log heavy minutes on a quality team, something that the Victoire will be for a while.
Round 6
61. Vancouver Goldeneyes: Jane Kuehl, F (Princeton, NCAA)
Hunter: Cara Gardner Morey is very familiar with the Kuehl family (apparently not in relation to Tyler), and helped recruit Jane, along with Annie, at Princeton. Jane is a solid depth player who can bring a spark to the bottom six in Vancouver.
62. Seattle Torrent: Gracie Gilkyson, D (Yale, NCAA)
Hunter: Gilkyson was part of a very successful Bulldog team this past season, building up a D-corps that stood out in the ECAC. An excellent penalty-killer, her offensive game has grown over the past few years.
63. PWHL Detroit: Ashley Messier, D (Minnesota Duluth, NCAA)
Tyler: A young Canadian with great potential, it will take Messier some time to become one of the top defenders in the league, but she can develop within the right system.
64. PWHL San Jose: Georgia Schiff, F (Cornell, NCAA)
Tyler: Another player that has been limited in her offensive production while playing for the Big Red, Schiff has size and tenacity that make her tough to get off the puck, as well as someone you don’t want coming after you on the forecheck.
65. PWHL Las Vegas: Madison Chantler, F (Clarkson, NCAA)
Tyler: One last Golden Knight, I swear. Chantler was able to show a little more of her offensive side in her game this past year, and could be a solid depth addition.
66. PWHL Hamilton: Laurence Frenette, F (Quinnipiac, NCAA)
Hunter: Frenette experienced more success with Quinnipiac after transferring from Clarkson, being able to showcase a playmaking ability that bolstered the Bobcats’ attack.
67. New York Sirens: Cristina Cavaliere, D (Providence, NCAA)
Tyler: No player logged more ice time, on average, last season than Cavaliere. A solid third-pair rearguard who could hop on the PK.,
68. Toronto Sceptres: Katie DeSa, G (Penn State, NCAA)
Hunter: DeSa might go higher to some people, but it’s hard to see where she could go and be a backup goaltender right away, other than Toronto. She led the NCAA with 12 shutouts, helping the Nittany Lions reach the Frozen Four.
69. Minnesota Frost: Aly MacLeod, F (MoDo, SDHL)
Tyler: A player with North American experience, with a game that has grown overseas, MacLeod can be someone who steps into a bottom-six role in the PWHL.
70. Boston Fleet: Tory Mariano, D (DNP)
Tyler: I know some people might have their reservations about Mariano since she didn’t play last year, but with more opportunities for her to play, I don’t see why a team wouldn’t want to bring her on board.
71. Ottawa Charge: Jenna Goodwin, F (Frolunda, SDHL)
Hunter: After being a solid player at Clarkson, Goodwin used her rookie season in the SDHL as an opportunity to show what she can do at the pro level. Hirshfeld loves taking a chance on players like her.
72. Montreal Victoire: Maria Batalova, D (Agidel Ufa, ZhHL)
Hunter: She might be 30 years old, but she’s considered to be the best blueliner in Russia. From what we saw out of Fanuza Kadirova, it might be worth taking a shot at the experienced rearguard.