The 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft is set to take place in Detroit, bringing together six rounds of selections that will ultimately produce 72 new contracts for the league’s growing roster of talent. The event marks a milestone for women’s professional hockey, underscoring the sport’s expanding reach and the league’s ambition to deepen its talent pool.
Detroit’s New Franchise Takes Shape
PWHL Detroit, the league’s newest expansion team, will call Little Caesars Arena its home court. The franchise has already secured nine players, highlighted by a sign‑and‑trade agreement that brought veteran forward Hilary Knight into the fold. This early roster building signals a aggressive approach to compete from the outset.
Among the most eagerly watched prospects are Caroline Harvey, a standout defender from Wisconsin whose résumé includes an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship and the prestigious Patty Kazmeier Award. Abbey Murphy, a power forward from Minnesota, arrives with a prolific scoring record — 40 goals and 26 assists in just 31 games — while Laila Edwards, a defender/forward from Wisconsin, will be remembered for breaking barriers as the first Black woman to suit up for the U.S. Olympic team and earning a spot on the all‑tournament squad.
The draft conversation also shines a light on other notable names: Kirsten Simms, a Wisconsin defender celebrated for her scoring flair and swagger that helped the Badgers capture an NCAA championship; Tessa Janecke, a Penn State center known for her two‑way excellence and a high faceoff win percentage that earned her Olympic selection; and Elyssa Biederman, a Colgate center whose forechecking intensity and scoring touch have positioned her as a potential second‑round pick for Detroit.
A Milestone for the Sport
Beyond individual talent, the draft reflects a broader surge in support for women’s hockey, with academic powerhouses such as the University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, Penn State University and Colgate University contributing to the talent pipeline. The Professional Women’s Hockey League, headquartered at pwhl.league, continues to partner with these institutions, while the league’s official website, pwhl.league, provides fans with real‑time updates and coverage.
As the draft date approaches, anticipation builds across the hockey community. Fans in Detroit and beyond are eager to see how the new franchise will blend its existing roster with the fresh wave of talent, and how the league’s expansion will shape the competitive landscape for years to come.