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The PWHL's upcoming draft class features a remarkable pool of 235 players, prominently led by five members of the U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team, including standout defender Caroline Harvey. This year's player-declaration list marks the league's largest prospect pool since its inaugural draft, which included 268 players in 2023.
The influx of talent, highlighted by 23 players from the Milan Cortina Games, contributes to the league's decision to expand, adding up to four new franchises next season. Detroit is confirmed as a host for the draft on June 17, while Vancouver holds the coveted No. 1 pick, followed by Seattle, New York, and Toronto. The full selection order remains uncertain due to ongoing playoffs and the introduction of new teams.
Caroline Harvey stands out as the top prospect, having led the University of Wisconsin to its second consecutive NCAA championship and winning the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. Her American teammates, including Laila Edwards, Kirsten Simms, Abbey Murphy, and Tessa Janecke, are also expected to make significant impacts in the draft. International talents like Sweden's Thea Johansson, Finland's Nelli Laitinen, and Switzerland's goalie duo Andrea Braendli and Saskia Maurer add further intrigue. The draft features a strong North American presence, alongside players from 13 different countries.
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