2025 PWHL Mock Draft: Projecting the top 48 picks
We’re just days away from the next wave of talent hearing their names called.
This year’s edition of the PWHL Draft is different from the past two editions of the event, as there are just six rounds compared to last year’s eight. However, that’s because the league’s newest teams in Vancouver and Seattle are joining the fray.
Hunter Crowther, Tyler Kuehl and Ben Steiner joined forces to make their predictions on how this year’s draft will play out. Like last year, Hunter will be playing the role of general manager of the Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres. Tyler is back in charge of the Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens’ draft tables, while Ben will try to predict what Cara Gardner Morey and Meghan Turner will do in their first draft.
Round 1
1. New York Sirens: Haley Winn, D (Clarkson, NCAA)
Tyler: Even though the Sirens have lost a number of key forwards over the past couple of weeks, they need to have more talent on the back end. Winn brings a different level of play at both ends of the rink and will make an immediate impact.
2. Boston Fleet: Kristyna Kaltounková, F (Colgate, NCAA)
Tyler: This should be a slam-dunk pick for Danielle Marmer. What has been the biggest problem for the Fleet? Scoring goals. What does Kaltounkova do? Score goals. Having lost Hilary Knight, Boston needs a talented right-handed shot up front as well.
3. Toronto Sceptres: Casey O’Brien, F (Wisconsin, NCAA)
Hunter: The Sceptres lost a number of key forwards in Sarah Nurse and Hannah Miller, as well as the 2024 Patty Kazmaier winner in Izzy Daniel. If they can take the 2025 winner in O’Brien at No. 3, who led all of college hockey in assists (62) and points (88), it will instantly improve their group.
4. Montreal Victoire: Nicole Gosling, D (Clarkson, NCAA)
Hunter: After losing 2024 first-round pick Cayla Barnes to PWHL Seattle, the Victoire need a shot of youth on the blue line. Gosling was one-half of college hockey’s best pairing, and she can instantly step in and take on a top-four role.
5. Ottawa Charge: Ella Huber, F (Minnesota, NCAA)
Hunter: I might be going a little off the board with this one, but Huber was one of college hockey’s best two-way forwards and I feel like she can instantly fit into a PWHL team’s middle-six group. She will be a player who will quickly win more shifts than she loses.
6. Minnesota Frost: Natalie Mlynkova, F (Minnesota, NCAA)
Tyler: We’ve noticed a trend with Minnesota players staying in Minnesota, so Mlynkova getting called by the Frost makes sense. I know the two-time defending champions have a lot of talent up front, but they need more secondary scoring to combat their inconsistency in putting the puck in the net.
7. Seattle: Kendall Cooper, D (Quinnipiac, NCAA)
Ben: PWHL Seattle has taken some big swings in the expansion process, so how about bringing in a skilled, two-way blueliner with their first pick? After all, there’s the Quinnipiac connection with Meghan Turner, and the 23-year-old would nearly round out their defensive pairings.
8. Vancouver: Anne Cherkowski, F (Clarkson, NCAA)
Ben: A native of Coldstream, British Columbia, Cherkowski has a strong two-way game and was a standout over her career with the Clarkson Golden Knights, finishing her time there with a 17-goal and 45-point season in 2024-25 . Vancouver is already stacked with talent, why not add another local star to the mix for the inaugural season?
Round 2
1. New York Sirens: Michelle Karvinen, F (Frolunda, NCAA)
Tyler: If there’s anything we learned from last year’s draft is that Pascal Daoust has no problem taking a gamble on Europeans. While things might not have worked out with Noora Tulus, Karvinen has the skill to be an important depth scorer in New York.
2. Boston Fleet: Olivia Mobley, F (Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA)
Tyler: I know Mobley’s numbers with Ohio State and Duluth weren’t the same as her early days in Quinnipiac, but she has shown an ability to score big goals. Put her with the right players in Boston and you have a scoring formula.
3. Toronto Sceptres: Rory Guilday, D (Cornell, NCAA)
Hunter: With size and strong defensive instincts, Guilday will stand out in a league whose best defenders are known for their offensive flair. It may take her some time to adapt to the speed of the pro game, but it won’t be long until she’s a shutdown blueliner in the league.
4. Montreal Victoire: Jenna Buglioni, F (Ohio State, NCAA)
Hunter: Buglioni’s reliable two-way game and relentless forechecking will earn her ice time in her rookie season. If the Victoire takes her, don’t be surprised if she gets shifts in the top six, as her game allows her to thrive in the dirty areas and set up her skilled teammates.
5. Ottawa Charge: Abby Hustler, F (St. Lawrence, NCAA)
Hunter: Tied for the least amount of goals in the PWHL, the Charge need scoring, and Hustler may be the cure. She put up point-per-game numbers in three of her four seasons at St. Lawrence, and her size and style of game will help her seamlessly transition into the league.
6. Minnesota Frost: Nina Jobst-Smith, D (Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA)
Tyler: Minnesota lost its two best defenders to expansion, so they need to add on the back end. Taking a player like Nina Jobst-Smith, who was Germany’s best player at this year’s IIHF Women’s World Championship, would certainly help fill a role on the blue line.
7. Vancouver: Kiara Zanon, F (Ohio State, NCAA)
Ben: Kiara Zanon is one of the most skilled players in the draft class and was an offensive powerhouse at The Ohio State after first starring with Penn State. A two-time Patty Kazmaier finalist, Vancouver could continue to improve by adding the Fairport, New York native.
8. Seattle: Vita Poniatovskaia, F (Yale, NCAA)
Ben: You can never have too many good players, and that’s the approach I have PWHL Seattle taking in the first round, selecting Russian Vita Poniatovskaia out of Yale, to bring in a mobile defender with two-way upside.
Round 3
1. New York Sirens: Peyton Hemp, F (Minnesota, NCAA)
Tyler: I’m in a bit of a Minnesota-friendly mood, eh? Hemp proved she can be a scoring threat during her time with the Golden Gophers. What I’ve liked his the development in her all-around game, making her appealing to the Sirens.
2. Boston Fleet: Sarah Wozniecwicz, F (Wisconsin, NCAA)
Tyler: I like Wonzniewicz to go to Boston because she can be a useful depth piece who has the ability to score when needed, and has a championship pedigree. If she gets put on a line with the right characters, she could help lead a solid checking line.
3. Toronto Sceptres: Emma Gentry, F (St. Cloud State, NCAA)
Hunter: The Sceptres need help down the middle, and Gentry is someone who could thrive in a bottom-six role to start her pro career. Listed at 5-foot-11 with good faceoff numbers and a strong defensive game, she can play important minutes for a team that needs depth.
4. Montreal Victoire: Abby Newhook, F (Boston College, NCAA)
Hunter: Strong two-way forward who served as captain at Boston College for two seasons, Newhook’s production fluctuated in college, but she has plenty of raw talent. If the Victoire takes her and puts her with talented linemates, she may be able to highlight some of it.
5. Ottawa Charge: Hannah Murphy, G (Colgate, NCAA)
Hunter: Dominant in all four seasons at Colgate, breaking nearly every goalie record there is, Murphy could step in and be a reliable backup for Gwyneth Philips while competing for starts. Don’t be surprised if Murphy evolves into one of the game’s best netminders in just a few years.
6. Minnesota Frost: Olivia Wallin, F (Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA)
Tyler: If Wallin entered the draft after her fourth year, she might not be this high up on my draft board, but she became one of the Bulldogs’ best players, only trailing Clara Van Wieren in team scoring. She’s already well-seasoned and will give the Frost some depth scoring.
7. Seattle: Sanni Ahola, G (St. Cloud State, NCAA)
Ben: As things stand, PWHL Seattle has just one goaltender on the roster in Corinne Schroeder. Rookie goaltenders can always be a concern, and Kristen Campbell is still available as a free agent after two seasons with the Toronto Sceptres. But, why not draft a young star in Sanni Ahola, who, at 25, recently wrapped up her fifth year with St. Cloud State, and won a second consecutive bronze medal for Finland at the 2025 Women’s World Championship
8. Vancouver: MacKenna Webster, F (Ohio State, NCAA)
Ben: Vancouver’s roster so far is one of the tallest in the league and has a physical edge, so they could look at a smaller, more agile forward such as MacKenna Webster in the draft, after she scored 12 goals and 35 points with The Ohio State in 2024-25.
Round 4
1. New York Sirens: Lily Delanidis, F (Cornell, NCAA)
Tyler: An excellent two-way player with a flair for the dramatic. In playing on a defensively sound Big Red team, Delanidis didn’t get to show off her scoring prowess. However, her ability to produce in her role will be important in transitioning to the pro game.
2. Boston Fleet: Emma Bergesen, D (SDE, SDHL)
Tyler: A European with a little bit of USports flavor. Bergesen knows the North American game thanks to her five years at Mount Royal. She also has loads of international experience, having played for Norway’s senior national team for over eight years, along with playing for SDE in the SDHL last year.
3. Toronto Sceptres: Reece Hunt, F (Lulea, SDHL)
Hunter: After a strong fifth season at Minnesota-Duluth, Hunt wasn’t taken in the 2024 PWHL Draft and spent a season in Sweden with Lulea HF, where she struggled with injuries. Still, it might be worth taking a flyer if you’re the Sceptres, because someone will look like a genius when they take her.
4. Montreal Victoire Riley Brengman, D (Ohio State, NCAA)
Hunter: The five-year Buckeye could evolve into a reliable depth defender for whomever takes her. While she doesn’t offer much in production, her hockey IQ and strong breakout pass will help her transition to the PWHL.
5. Ottawa Charge: Jenna Goodwin, F (Clarkson, NCAA)
Hunter: A strong two-way option with good offensive instincts at Clarkson, Goodwin can provide an offensive spark while winning an important draw for an Ottawa squad that could use depth.
6. Minnesota Frost: Aly McLeod, F (St. Lawrence, NCAA)
Tyler: McLeod might be signed on to play for MoDo Hockey in the SDHL, but I think a chance to play with the defending champs might sway her to stay stateside. She averaged over 20 points a year with the Saints and would fit in the bottom six in Minnesota.
7. Vancouver: Maya Labad, F (Quinnipiac, NCAA)
Ben: In a similar vein to selecting MacKenna Webster, I’ve got Vancouver going with Maya Labad out of Quinnipiac here, given her adaptability to different situations in college hockey and the mobility she would bring to Vancouver’s forwards.
8. Seattle: Clara Van Wireren, F (Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA)
Ben: Clara Van Wieren, the captain, from Minnesota-Duluth, shifted to the wing early last season and used her physical frame at five-foot-10 to help her put up 17 goals and 40 points. There have been some good stories out of Minnesota Duluth in the PWHL so far, so taking a chance on Van Wieren could be more than worthwhile.
Round 5
1. New York Sirens: Meeri Raisanen, G (Gladiators HT, II-diivisoona)
Tyler: I know I might be a little overzealous in taking Raisanen, especially after she was passed over last year. However, after a pretty decent season in a men’s league in Finland, I think she’d be worth taking a look at if you’re Pascal Daoust, especially since NY needs a capable No. 2.
2. Boston Fleet: Maddy Samoskevich, D (Quinnipiac, NCAA)
Tyler: I think it’s about time Marmer goes into her Quinnipiac ties to pull Samoskevich into the pro ranks. A really spirited player who can bring a lot of energy to a lineup and some necessary depth scoring.
3. Toronto Sceptres: Leah Herrfort, F (Waterloo, U SPORTS)
Hunter: Our second U SPORTS alumnus off the board, Leah Herrfort was one of the most productive players in the Canadian University system during her four years. The Sceptres have experience with U SPORTS alumni, signing Rylind MacKinnon last season.
4. Montreal Victoire: Maddi Wheeler, F (Ohio State, NCAA)
Hunter: Wheeler transferred to Ohio State after four years with rival Wisconsin. Her offensive numbers didn’t jump significantly, but she remained one of the country’s best possession players. Her 200-foot game will transition nicely to the pros.
5. Ottawa Charge: Hanna Baskin, D (Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA)
Hunter: Not much of an offensive threat, but a highly capable defensive player who can block shots and clear the front of the net. Can be a reliable penalty killer right away.
6. Minnesota Frost: Skylar Irving, F (Northeastern, NCAA)
Tyler: I’d be surprised as you if Irving made it this far back in the draft. Nevertheless, the four-year star with the Huskies became an exceptional player who had some rebuilding to do after the likes of Alina Muller and Maureen Murphy moved on.
7. Seattle: Lyndie Lobdell, D (Penn State)
Ben: A reliable defender, Lobdell played on a stacked Penn State team last season and became the career leader in points at the program. Yet, with how good the team was, the challenges of adjusting to defending PWHL players could provide pause for some teams on draft day.
8. Vancouver: Anna Bargman, F (Yale, NCAA)
Ben: The Yale captain from last season led all NCAA women’s hockey players in expected goals per game with 0.72 and could potentially translate that creativity to the PWHL, after it translated to 13 goals and 23 points in 2024-25.
Round 6
1. New York Sirens: Sara Hjlarmasson, F (Linkoping, SDHL)
Tyler: I swung and missed on her last year, but I’m doubling down and saying that Hjalmarsson will be picked by a PWHL team. The Sirens need more playmakers throughout their lineup, and one of the best players in Sweden’s history can provide that.
2. Boston Fleet: Amanda Thiele, G (Ohio State, NCAA)
Tyler: If you’re the Fleet, you need to shore up your backup goaltender situation. It seemed like they had it right with Klara Peslarova, but with the Czech netminder heading back overseas, that opens the door for someone with Thiele’s experience, having backstopped the Buckeyes to the national championship game.
3. Toronto Sceptres: Emily Rickwood, F (KRS Shenzhen, WCIHL)
Hunter: With the last pick in the draft, the Sceptres can take a shot with Rickwood, who, after five seasons at New Hampshire, spent two years in Europe playing in Sweden and China. Strong production in 2024-25 could translate in North America.
4. Montreal Victoire: Anna Segedi, F (St. Lawrence, NCAA)
Hunter: Strong faceoff numbers who is capable of putting up numbers, scoring 39 points in 39 games in 2023-24. Good example of someone who may be able to rely on skill to play at the highest level.
5. Ottawa Charge: Brianna Brooks, F (Penn State, NCAA)
Hunter: Strong faceoff numbers and good passing skills, Brooks is certainly worth taking with your last pick in the draft. Underlying stats show she is relentless when it comes to puck battles. She could turn out to be a solid depth option.
6. Minnesota Frost: Jenn Carpenter, F (Boston College, NCAA)
Tyler: I’m finally going to reach into the Michigan pool. The Plymouth native spent four years at Boston College and was a good supporting character on a Boston College team that was close to advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
7. Vancouver: Chanreet Bassi, F (U. British Columbia, U SPORTS)
Ben: One of the best players in the history of UBC women’s hockey, Bassi would be a strong local pick for PWHL Vancouver and could surprise some with her scoring ability and leadership, having led UBC to back-to-back Canada West titles in 2023 and 2024.
8. Seattle: Elizabeth Lang, D (HC Davos, SWHL-A)
Ben: A former standout with the University of Calgary, Lang looks to join the PWHL after starting her professional career in Switzerland with HC Davos, where she averaged two points per game to a total of 28 goals and 53 points in 28 games in 2024-25.
The 2025 PWHL Draft is scheduled to take place in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 24, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.