Seven Players Whose PWHL Play Might Earn Them A National Team Spot

The PWHL hasn't had a large impact on Canada or USA's national team rosters, yet. At some point, a player having a breakout season, or who finds chemistry alongside another national team member will be an unexpected addition to one of the world's women's hockey superpowers.

While none of the players making their case this season would be considered surprises, there are a group of players waiting for their first look, or another look, with Canada and USA's senior national teams.

Here's a look.

Claire Thompson, Minnesota Frost / Canada

Thompson didn't play for Team Canada at the 2024 World Championships because she didn't play anywhere last year. Thompson practice with New York University's men's hockey team to stay in game shape, but didn't play while she continued medical school. This season she's jumped out to a quick start with the Minnesota Frost as one of the league's top point producers, and is an early candidate for the PWHL's Defender of the Year honors. Thompson looks like a certain lock to rejoin Canada, but who will lose their spot in her return?

Jennifer Gardiner, Montreal Victoire / Canada

Gardiner was the final cut from Canada's 2024 national team ahead of the World Championships. She travelled with the team to pre-tournament practices, but eventually was not needed. Gardiner plays the all-around style that Troy Ryan looks for, and is one of the top producing rookies in the league this season along with Fillier and Danielle Serdachny. Canada needs to start working their next wave of players into the lineup, and Gardiner looks ready for a bigger opportunity. She's not going anywhere and will remain a prospect for Canada's national team through the 2026 Olympics, but may have more upside at that level. Considering Gardiner has flanked Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey all season, keeping that trio together internationally could bode well for Team Canada.

Micah Zandee-Hart, New York Sirens / Canada

Zandee-Hart was cut from Team Canada ahead of the 2024 World Championships. She had been dealing with an injury for much of the inaugural PWHL season and when she returned, she didn't look like the player the Sirens were expecting. With a full offseason and getting into action from day one this season, Zandee-Hart has shown her time with Canada might not be done. Pretty much every metric for Zandee-Hart is above league average right now. She sits third overall in the league in time on ice showing how much she means to the third place Sirens. She has hit double digits in hits and blocked shots, and is fourth in the league in defensive scoring. There's a log jam on Canada's blueline, but if they need her, Zandee-Hart is looking better than ever.

Jessie Eldridge, New York Sirens / Canada

Eldridge has kind of fallen off Canada's radar since winning a gold medal at the 2022 World Championships, her only international tournament donning the Maple Leaf. Her offensive production is up this season, and perhaps as importantly for Canada is that four of her six assists this season have come on Sarah Fillier goals. Fillier was unusually quiet for Canada at the 2024 World Championships having her lowest goal and point totals in five Olympic and World Championship tournaments for Canada. In short events, chemistry matters, and bringing Eldridge, even as an extra forward knowing she can sub in alongside Fillier would be a significant advantage for Canada.

Daryl Watts, Toronto Sceptres / Canada

The expectation when Watts signed in Toronto was that we'd finally see her make her senior national team debut. Watts has played at the Rivalry Series with Canada this year, and has been one of Toronto's most consistent threats. It's highly likely Troy Ryan and Gina Kingsbury look to make space for Watts on Canada's roster, particularly with their core aging. She brings dynamic skill that can lift you from your seat, and has shown more diligence as a 200-foot player.

Jincy Roese, Ottawa Charge / USA

Last season, Roese looked lost at times in the PWHL. Her transition to the league wasn't as seamless as some, and she struggled at times, both offensively and defensively. Fast forward and Roese is playing top pairing minutes and is more competitive, and in better position. USA doesn't have a great need on their blueline, but if an injury struck, Roese would be a simple insertion to the lineup of a veteran player who can play the high octane style of America's national program.

Sophie Jaques, Minnesota Frost / Canada

Jaques remains a long shot to crack Canada's lineup, but from where she was in 2023-24 to now is night and day. Jaques was struggling significantly coming into the PWHL, but has found her place in Minnesota and is playing well. She may be a year or two away, and another Canadian retirement or two from the national team, but she belongs back on the long range radar. Defenders needs more transition time to higher levels, and that looks like it stood true with Jaques. Now that she's settled, we're beginning to see some of the exciting aspects of her game return that helped win her the Patty Kazmaier Award.