2025 PWHL Draft Thread

[JMCx4]

Starting with some early prognostications re. the third PWHL draft (date & format TBA). Oh, how time flies ...

(Daily Face Off-Tyler Kuehl)

On top of trade deadline season, the window for prospective PWHLers is now open, as players can now declare for this year’s PWHL Draft. ...

There are a lot of big names in the NCAA that are projected to be entering this year’s draft. Wisconsin forward Casey O’Brien, who’s already a mainstay on the Team USA roster, is going to be a sought-after player. Clarkson stars Hayley Winn and Nicole Gosling are also expected to declare. Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy could be on the draft board this summer if she chooses to, though she does have one more year of eligibility.

While there are notable Europeans that could move over to North America, including Sweden star Sara Hjalmarsson, it’s too early to tell who from across the Atlantic might be interested in joining the PWHL, especially with how tough it’s been for some former SDHL stars in their transition to the league this season. ...

The declaration period closes May 8.

(THN-Ian Kennedy)

Looking at the 2025 PWHL Draft class, two wildcards exist in Abbey Murphy and Lacey Eden, who could both technically return for another season in the NCAA. Both players have been with their NCAA programs for five seasons already, but have an extra year of eligibility due to both COVID-19 and the Olympic year.

Other top players expected to declare from the NCAA including Casey O'Brien, Haley Winn, Kristyna Kaltounkova, Nicole Gosling, Rory Guilday, Natálie Mlýnková, Sanni Ahola, and Anne Cherkowski. From Europe, there are more question marks. One player likely to declare is Finland's Viivi Vainikka, as well as Sweden's Sara Hjalmarsson.

 

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THN's Mr. Kennedy offers "Four Rising Defenders" for the 2025 draft pool ...

... Dayle Ross, St. Cloud State - Steady and physical, Ross has flown under the radar in the powerhouse WCHA. She skates well and could be a solid addition who can play third pairing minutes and kill penalties in the PWHL.

Nina Jobst-Smith, Minnesota-Duluth - Has excelled internationally for Germany and has been a foundational piece for Minnesota-Duluth throughout her career. Few give Jobst-Smith the accolades she deserves, but she sees the ice well, doesn't shy away from tough spots, and is consistent.

Skylar Fontaine, ZSC Lions - A four-time All-American with Northeastern, Fontaine is one of the most decorated players to come through NCAA hockey in the last decade. She was twice named a Patty Kazmaier top ten finalist, and was the Hockey East Defender of the Year three times. She's spent the past three seasons in Switzerland where she was named the Swiss league's Best Defender last year. After her visa was declined to return to Switzerland next season, the door has opened wide for a potential PWHL stop.

Tamara Giaquinto, Boston University - The Boston University captain has shown offensive growth. She knows how to defend, and if she can continue to develop her offensive skills, she could play valuable depth minutes in the league. Named a Hockey East First Team All-Star this season.

 

[JMCx4]

From: Daily Faceoff

PWHL Trade Targets: 10 players who could be on the move before the deadline

Tyler Kuehl
Mar 9, 2025

Just when you thought the trade deadline madness was finished…it’s PWHL Trade Deadline Week!

The deadline for the top women’s league in the world is March 13 at 2 p.m. ET, and there is still a lot of business to be done before the roster freeze the following day. While talks have been quiet due to the unknown of roster configurations with potential expansion, teams are certainly going to try to bolster their lineups in hopes of making a deep run in the postseason.

Here 10 players to keep an eye on between now and Thursday afternoon. ...

Read the List of 10 at: PWHL Trade Targets: 10 players who could be on the move before the deadline | DFO