The 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft turned heads as a record 72 prospects heard their names called, but the spotlight fell squarely on a handful of University of Minnesota alumni who turned the event into a celebration of Gopher pride.
A Milestone for Minnesota Hockey
Abbey Murphy, the Gophers’ all‑time leading scorer, became the highest‑selected Minnesota player when the Seattle Torrent drafted her second overall. Murphy capped a breakout 2025‑26 campaign with a career‑high 66 points — 40 goals and 26 assists — and her 143 career goals now sit atop the university’s record books.
Nelli Laitinen, a Finnish Olympian and All‑America honoree, slid to the sixth pick where PWHL Hamilton secured her rights. Laitinen’s blend of speed and playmaking earned her CCM/AHCA Second Team All‑America and All‑WCHA Second Team accolades, underscoring her readiness for the pro stage.
Sydney Morrow followed at 14th overall, chosen by the same Seattle Torrent. Morrow’s 38 points this season placed her third nationally among defenders, a testament to her offensive instincts from the blue line.
Forward Jamie Nelson, a Toronto native, heard his name at the 20th spot as the Toronto Sceptres drafted him. Nelson’s 42 points — 11 goals and 31 assists — represent a career best and signal a deepening depth at the center position for the new franchise.
Swedish forward Josefin Bouveng rounded out the Minnesota contingent at the 29th pick, going to PWHL Las Vegas. Bouveng contributed 43 points — 15 goals and 28 assists — and was also part of Sweden’s Olympic squad in Milan, adding an international flavor to the draft class.
Beyond the Numbers
What these selections illustrate is more than individual achievement; they reflect a growing pipeline that funnels top collegiate talent directly into a professional arena that is finally receiving the attention it deserves. The draft not only validates the Gophers’ program but also promises to raise the competitive bar for the league as a whole.
Fans can look forward to seeing these alumni clash on the ice next season, and the broader hockey community anticipates how their performances will influence the next generation of women’s hockey prospects.