Yahoo Sports 2025 PWHL Draft Rankings: December Top 60
The list continues to evolve as contract status and intent to declare becomes more clear by the day. One name that no longer exists on our list is Finnish forward Elisa Holopainen who extended her initial contract to two-years in Frolunda ensuring she'll stay in Europe through the 2026 Winter Olympics as many anticipated she would. It's a decision other players like Michelle Karvinen, Michaela Pejzloa, and Hanna Olsson are also facing. The longer these players remain in Europe, the lower most will slide on draft boards as the calibre of play in the PWHL continues to improve and the gap between the PWHL and European leagues gets larger and larger. The other wildcards in this draft are USA national team forwards Abbey Murphy and Lacey Eden. The decision of this entire group on declaration will make this class far weaker or stronger.
For the first time, a December 6-Nation Women's Euro Hockey Tour event included Canadian and American development teams going head to head with teams from Europe. It was an incredible opportunity to scout PWHL Draft eligible players head-to-head, which is why almost every PWHL team had scouts on hand.
With the NCAA and U Sports on their holiday break, and the Women's Euro Hockey Tour in the books, here's a look at the 2025 PWHL Draft rankings. Our next ranking, in mid-January will be our official Midterm Rankings.
2025 PWHL Draft Rankings
Abbey Murphy, RW, 2002, Minnesota / USA - Murphy is a pest, she's got great speed, and game breaking capabilities. She impacts every inch of the ice and has a physical edge that will benefit her in the PWHL, but her dynamic skillset is what will make her a star, and almost certainly the consensus first overall pick...if she declares.
Krystina Kaltounkova, C, 2002, Colgate / Czechia - If you're looking for a stylistic comparison, Kaltounkova's game resembles Marie-Philip Poulin in a lot of ways. She's physical, and a potent shooter who is also an excellent distributor. Kaltounkova is also strong on the backcheck and shows defensive awareness in her positioning.
Haley Winn, D, 2003, Clarkson / USA - A mobile, right shot defender who is deceptive along the line. She moves extremely well in all directions and puts pucks into spaces where offense can be created. On the small side, but she's shown she can play in physical, fast paced games through her national team performances. Great distributor of the puck.
Casey O'Brien, C, 2001, Wisconsin - She can score highlight reel goals, or rack up a four point night without anyone noticing. Either way, O'Brien is rarely left off the scoresheet. She creates in so many ways and will instantly step into a top six role in the PWHL and be a threat. Watch for her name on the Patty Kazmaier Award this year, and high in the PWHL Draft.
Nicole Gosling, D, 2002, Clarkson / Canada - Likes to jump into the play, but chooses her times without risking defensive coverage. She's got the toolkit to be a solid pro in the PWHL for years to come. Plays hard at both ends of the ice, and makes strong passes from her zone and in transition.
Viivi Vainikka, C, 2001, Lulea / Finland - Tons of speed and slippery with the puck. Vainikka sees the ice so well and can take away space defensively, or create separation offensively using her feet. She's the best player in Europe heading to the PWHL next year.
Natalie Mlynkova, LW, 2001, Minnesota / Czechia - When you watched Mlynkova play at Worlds last year, she looked like a player with something to prove. She carried the Czech attack, and is one of the better two way forwards, albeit one who can produce at high rates. She doesn't have the same game breaking capabilities as those above, but she also is one of the more complete two-way players in this draft.
Lacey Eden, RW, 2002, Wisconsin / USA - Eden is a two way talent who can produce, but also knows how to play a checking role from her time with Team USA. Good speed, does the simple things well, and makes those around her better. She'll start in a middle six playing the two-way role she inhabits with Team USA.
Rory Guilday, D, 2002, Cornell / USA - Poised and moves well for her size. Guilday is not going to generate a ton of offense, but she's going to do something that PWHL teams often struggle with: take care of her zone first. She'll play heavy minutes in the PWHL as a match up defender. Might slide into the first round because of a lack of defensive depth in this draft.
Anne Cherkowski, C, 2002, Clarkson - She's highly capable of playing a checking role and contributing as a two-way threat. With the depth of the PWHL's talent pool, there will be teams who covet what Cherkowski brings. Don't underestimate her offensive skills either.
Michelle Karvinen, F, 1990, Frolunda / Finland - Will she or won't she? It's hard to believe Karvinen won't look at the PWHL as her season winds down. Age will be a factor that might keep her out of the top two rounds, but for a season or two, a team would be adding a veteran professional who will make an impact immediately on and off the ice.
Michaela Pejzlova, F, 1997, Ambrì-Piotta / Czechia - It's hard to project Pejzlova's PWHL placement, specifically because she's openly on the fence about declaring this year. She was a force in the NCAA, but has spent the last several seasons in lesser European leagues. It's kept the puck on her stick, but also means there will be an adaptation period to the PWHL.
Kendall Cooper, D, 2002, Quinnipiac - Can transport the puck from her own end, Cooper can also play with an edge. One of Canada's top blueliners with their development team and a strong leader with Quinnipiac. Keep your eye on whenever the Boston Fleet pick in the draft as they love the Quinnipiac connections.
Ella Huber, C, 2002, Minnesota - Good speed and hockey IQ. Huber sees the ice well and often generates offense through her defensive play. She can also break free in open ice. Played very well for USA at the Women's Euro Hockey Tour.
Kiara Zanon, F, 2002, Ohio State - A model of consistency in her NCAA career, Zanon moves well, and knows what it takes to win. Can be very dangerous from the slot and can get pucks off her stick quickly which will benefit her with less time and space in the PWHL.
Abby Hustler, F, 2003, St. Lawrence - One of the best playmakers in the NCAA, Hustler's year over year improvement shows she's nowhere near her ceiling. Hustler creates chances every time she's on the ice, but is also intelligent on the defensive side. Despite her continued snubs from Canadian rosters, Hustler is not a player to sleep on.
Hanna Olsson, F, 1999, Frolunda / Sweden - Less likely to declare than other Europeans, Olsson may remain in Europe despite her ability to play at a higher level. She's been one of Sweden's top threats at every competition and will make a middle six more dangerous in the PHWL.
Jenna Buglioni, C, 2002, Ohio State - High hockey IQ will allow Buglioni to start lower in a lineup and work her way up. She is smart defensively and is unafraid to get in shooting lanes. Her size at only 5-foot-3 will be a consideration as she'll need to find ways to use her other assets in the more physical PWHL.
Jenniina Nylund, LW, 1999, Brynas / Team Finland - For a team looking to add a veteran presence with offensive upside, who can handle a physical game, Nylund will be a solid addition. With expansion, Nylund who is getting better with each game in the SDHL, including showing growth off the puck, she has potential to climb up a roster.
Emma Seitz, D, 2000, MoDo - A shifty defender who loves to jump into the play, Seitz is extremely mobile, and could already be in the PWHL. She's the type of person you want in your room. She'll need to choose her chances in the PWHL, but once she figures out that adaptation, Seitz could surprise many with her ability.
Sara Hjalmarsson, C, 1998, Linkoping / Sweden - Net front presence who plays physical and has a knack for the net. Still needs to work on her skating in open ice, but in traffic, she is a menace. As a middle six player who can also slide into a power play role out front, Hjalmarsson has value.
Skylar Irving, C, 2002, Northeastern - An early climber in the rankings, Irving has shown she can take her game to a higher level when the opportunity presents. She's one of the better two-way forwards in the NCAA.
Laura Kluge, C, 1996, Eisbaren Berlin / Germany - Undrafted this year, Kluge was a standout for Toronto in the PWHL preseason last year. If her European contract situation is settled, Kluge could get grabbed in the middle rounds to bolster a bottom six with size and scoring potential.
Emma Gentry, C, 2002, St. Cloud State - Big bodied forward who could handle herself physically in the PWHL. Likes to get to the net, plays a powerful game. Might get shifted to the wing in the PWHL. Not as highly touted as some NCAA players, Gentry's game might actually translate to the PWHL better given her style and frame, particularly in a bottom six role.
Vita Ponyatovskaia, D, 2003, Yale - A fun defender to watch, Ponyatovskaya can dazzle creeping in from the blueline or joining the rush. Great hands, especially for a defender, and extremely mobile.
Clara Van Wieren, C, 2002, Minnesota-Duluth - Continues to play a well balanced 200-foot game, UMD alumni have had success in the PWHL and Van Wieren could be another.
Sarah Wozniewicz, RW, 2002, Wisconsin - You have to know what you're getting here. Wozniewicz isn't going to score much at the PWHL level, but as a checking line winger, she brings speed, a strong forecheck, and can be a player who can help shift momentum, and keep the puck 200 feet from her net. Depth winger who could develop into more.
Maya Labad, F, 2002, Quinnipiac - A quietly productive goal scorer. She sees her lanes well, and likes to drive straight down the mid-lane with her stick down as a target for her linemates.
Peyton Hemp, RW, 2003, Minnesota - A model of consistency, Hemp looks like a future pro. She hasn't put up huge numbers, but as depth to a PWHL roster, Hemp has room to grow into a bigger role.
Andrea Brandli, G, MoDo / Team Switzerland - Given the potential for two new teams to enter the league, there will be a need for goaltenders with starting potential, and Andrea Brandli has shown she can face the world's top shooters internationally with Switzerland, and she continues to put in consistent work in the SDHL.
Elin Svensson, F, - You don't see many players ascend the hockey ladder like Svensson has this season. She's started to use her size more effectively, and is playing with more confidence as a power forward in the SDHL. She's young, and many thought she was destined for the NCAA, but even beginning in a bottom six role in the PWHL, there's so much potential here. Certainly a player who would benefit from a development league, but a PWHL could also keep her in Sweden for another season.
Reece Hunt, LW, 2001, Lulea - If Hunt continues at her current pace, there may be teams disappointed they didn't take her in the 2024 Draft. Hunt had a good NCAA career, and has adapted seamlessly to the SDHL with Lulea, where she's showing her scoring punch can translate. Injury this season a concern.
Riley Brengman, D, 2002, Ohio State - Steady and often overlooked playing behind a group of four PWHL drafted defenders last season. Not a huge offensive contributor, but there's enough of those in the PWHL already.
Nina Jobst-Smith, D, 2001, Minnesota-Duluth / Team Germany - Capable of bigger things, evident from her role on the international stage. Reliable in all situations.
Maddi Wheeler, F, 2002, Ohio State - A 200-foot player, seeing a boost to her offensive game after transfer to Ohio State.
Sanni Ahola, G, 2000, St. Cloud State / Finland - Has potential to be a starting goalie in this league. Competes for pucks, and makes big saves every game that would otherwise be goals. If no expansion, can go to Europe and start for a season.
Makenna Webster, RW, 2002, Ohio State
Estelle Duvin, F, 1997, SC Bern / France
Hannah Murphy, G, 2003, Colgate
Neena Brick, C, 2003, Colgate
Lily Deliandis, F, 2001, Cornell
Emma Bergesen, D, 1999, SDE - Has the smarts and vision. Sees the ice well and not afraid to jump into the rush. Learning valuable lessons in the SDHL.
Maddy Samoskevich, C/D, 2002, Quinnipiac - Rankings might be hurt by this move from defence to center, but it's also showing incredible versatility. In a league where there is no ability to call up players, having someone who can effectively play a depth forward role, or on the blueline could be an asset that sees Samoskevich nabbed in later rounds.
Anna Segedi, F, 2000, St. Lawrence - Good vision, good hands, good leadership.
Mackenzie Kordic, F, 2001, British Columbia - Big and mean with an edge and ability to score. Along with Leah Herrfort, Kordic is probably the best available U Sports player, and given her skillset, would make a hard to play against depth grinder in the league.
Hanna Baskin, D, 2003, Minnesota-Duluth
Nadia Mattivi, D, 2000, Lulea / Italy
Elizabeth Lang, F, 2000, HC Davos
Lyndie Lobdell, D, 2002, Penn State
Morgan Neitzke, F, 2003, Lindenwood
Millie Sirum, F, 2003, Providence / Norway - A scrappy two-way forward who could become a checking line energy player.
Abby Newhook, F, 2003, Boston College
Jessymaude Drapeau, F, 2000, Concordia
Maggie MacEachern, D, 2001, KRS Shenzhen
Olivia Mobley, RW, 2001, Minnesota-Duluth
Leah Herrfort, F 2001, Waterloo
Emma Forsgren, D, 2002, Djurgardens / Sweden
Sydney Langseth, F, 2002, Minnesota State
Alexie Guay, D, 2001, MoDo
Jamie Nelson, F, 2002, Minnesota State
2025 PWHL Draft Watch List
Vanessa Upson, F, 2003, Mercyhurst
Brooke Becker, D, 2002, Providence
Lauren Bellefontaine, C, 2000, MoDo
Mia Biotti, D, 2002, Harvard
Kennedy Bobyck, RW, 2001, HV71
Brianna Brooks, F, 2002, Penn State
Laura Fuoco, F, 2003, Dartmouth
Maggy Burbidge, F, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron
Andrea Dalen, F, 1992, Frolunda / Norway
Sydney Fess, D, 2002, Clarkson
Paula Bergstrom, D, 1999, Frolunda
Skylar Fontaine, D, 1998, ZSC Lions
Jenna Goodwin, C, 2003, Clarkson
Jada Habisch, F, 2002, Connecticut
Linnéa Johansson, RW, 2002, Lulea / Sweden
Kira Juodikis, F, 2003, New Hampshire
Courtney Kollman, F, 2000, HC Davos
Darcie Lappan, LW, 2001, MoDo
Sinja Leeman, F, 2002, ZSC Lions / Switzerland
Julia Liikala, F, 2001, Ambri-Piotta / Finland
Sophie Lundin, F, 2000, Frolunda / Sweden
Jaycee Magwood, RW, 1997, Lulea
Kylee Mahoney, F, 2003, Mercyhurst
Sarah Marchand, F, 2003, St. Lawrence
Tory Mariano, D, 2003, Northeastern
Alyssa Mcleod, F, 2002, St. Lawrence
Maggie Nicholson, D, 2002, Minnesota
Lotti Odnoga, D, 1999, SDE
Emma Nordin, F, 1991, Lulea
Sydney Pederson, D, 2003, Mercyhurst
Maude Pepin, F, 1999, Bishop's
Brette Pettet, F, 1999, Djurgardens
Marianne Picard, C, 2002, Wisconsin
Ava Rinker, D, 2002, Connecticut
Clara Rozier, F, 1997, SC Bern / France
Shailynn Snow, F, 2001, HC Fribourg-Gottéron
Haruka Toko, C, 1997, Linkoping / Japan
Rachel Weiss, F, 2001, HV71
Goaltender Watch List
Pia Dukaric, G, 2000, Yale / Slovenia
Ena Nystrom, G, 2000, Brynas / Norway
Callie Shanahan, G, 2003, Boston University
Amanda Thiele, G, 2002, Ohio State
Skylar Vetter, G, 2003, Minnesota
Kassidy Sauve, G, 1996, SDE
Stephanie Neatby, G 1998, Frolunda
