The Professional Women’s Hockey League is gearing up for its 2026 draft, an event that will showcase the next wave of elite talent highlighted by five American Olympians who have already tasted gold on the world stage.
Expansion and Draft Order
The draft order reflects the league’s expansion strategy, with Vancouver and Seattle slated to hold the first two selections, while Vegas will add two picks in the top five after a sign‑and‑trade arrangement.
Among the prospects, defenseman Caroline Harvey is already regarded as one of the world’s premier blue‑liners, while forward Abbey Murphy topped the NCAA in both goals per game and points per game this season, underscoring her offensive firepower.
A Talent‑Laden Field
Laila Edwards, a versatile forward who contributed to the United States’ Milan Olympic triumph, brings a dual‑position skill set that could reshape roster dynamics, and she is joined by a deep pool of candidates ranging from Tessa Janecke, praised as the draft’s most natural center, to Lacey Eden, a tenacious two‑way forward who narrowly missed the final cut for Team USA.
The broadcast plan adds another layer of accessibility: the first two rounds will stream on Scripps platforms and TSN2 in Canada, with the full draft available on TSN+ domestically and on the PWHL’s YouTube channel worldwide.
The upcoming talent pool also reflects the strong collegiate pipelines feeding the league, with standout players emerging from powerhouse programs such as the University of Wisconsin, the University of Minnesota, Penn State, Ohio State, Princeton, Colgate, and the University of Connecticut.
As the draft draws nearer, the excitement extends beyond the rink, promising to broaden the league’s footprint across North America and internationally, while fans anticipate the next chapter for these rising stars.