Top PWHL Draft Prospects To Watch At First Leg Of 2024-25 Rivalry Series

The Rivalry Series this season is a far more PWHL heavy event, but there remains a group of talented American NCAA players in the mix. Among those, five could hear their name called this year at the 2025 PWHL Draft. Here's a look:

Casey O'Brien, Wisconsin - The NCAA's leading scorer through more than a month of the season, O'Brien has 26 points in her first 12 games this year. It's obvious she's achieved all she can at the NCAA level and it's time for a bigger challenge. She's the leading contender for the Patty Kazmaier Award this year after finishing as a top three finalist last year. A late addition to Team USA, O'Brien's play forced her way onto the roster. Now it's up to the October co-NCAA Player of the Month to show her ability to play any role, in what will likely be limited minutes with USA.

Haley Winn, Clarkson - She's mobile and deceptive along the blueline. Winn is already a veteran of Team USA, and she'll be a sought after pick in the first two rounds of the PWHL Draft. Winn's ability to generate offense from the back end, and take away time and space with her feet are assets that will serve her well in the PWHL.

Rory Guilday, Cornell - Guilday has missed most of the early part of the season, but returned to Cornell's lineup this week. Not the flashiest defender, Guilday takes care of her own zone first, and using her size and reach, will be a tough defender to evade in the PWHL. It will be interesting to see where PWHL teams rank her as Guilday is certain to prove years of a steady presence, but without the offensive upside of others.

Abbey Murphy, Minnesota - If she declares, Murphy is the leading contender to go first overall in the 2025 PWHL Draft. She combines her skills as a scorer and elite speed with a pest-like physicality that makes opponents furious. Murphy can break games open, but she can also change momentum through her checking. Finding the line of physical and reckless is the only item on her checklist to master, although it's unlikely many will attempt to coach out that instinct.

Lacey Eden, Wisconsin - Eden is a fascinating prospect as she's shown herself as one of the more capable checking line players in the game internationally, and she's also displayed her ability to produce consistent offense at a high rate in the NCAA. Eden has good speed and takes great angles to pucks. With the puck on her stick, she's equal parts playmaker and goal scorer. One of the most well rounded players in the draft, Eden could potentially return to Wisconsin for another season, or she may opt into the PWHL this year.

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