The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is gearing up for one of its most anticipated draft classes yet, headlined by five members of the U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team. Leading the charge is standout defender Caroline Harvey, fresh off a dominant season at the University of Wisconsin. This year's draft pool features 235 players, making it the league's largest since its inaugural 2023 draft, which saw 268 prospects. Among them are 23 athletes who competed at the Milan Cortina Games in February, underscoring the rising star power in women's hockey.
This influx of elite talent is a key reason the eight-team league is expanding—adding up to four new franchises for next season. Detroit has already been confirmed as a host for the draft on June 17, with more expansion teams expected to be announced soon. The draft order kicks off with Vancouver holding the No. 1 pick, followed by Seattle, New York, and Toronto. However, the full selection order remains uncertain due to ongoing playoffs and the league's yet-to-be-revealed placement for its new teams. The PWHL has also cautioned that not all 235 players will be drafted, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Caroline Harvey is widely regarded as the top prospect after leading Wisconsin to its second straight NCAA championship—and fourth in six years. At just 23, she's already a two-time Olympian and capped her season with Olympic tournament MVP honors and the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as college hockey's best player. Her American teammates are expected to dominate the early picks, including versatile forward/defender Laila Edwards, forward Kirsten Simms (both from Wisconsin), University of Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy, and Penn State forward Tessa Janecke.
International talent also shines in this draft class. Sweden's Thea Johansson (Minnesota-Duluth), Finland defender Nelli Laitinen (Minnesota), and Swiss goaltending duo Andrea Braendli and Saskia Maurer—both making the leap from European leagues—are among the top non-North American prospects. Additionally, seasoned veterans like four-time Canadian Olympian Meghan Agosta add depth and experience to the pool, making this draft a true showcase of the sport's brightest future.