The 2026 draft order for the Premier Women’s Hockey League was revealed on Monday, setting the stage for the selection event scheduled for June 17. The announcement confirmed that the four expansion franchises — including the newly formed San Jose team — will hold the third through sixth slots, while the established clubs retain the top two positions.
Top Prospects
Analysts have converged on a short list of forward talent who could shape the early years of the league. Caroline Harvey is projected as the premier defender and a potential future No. 1 overall pick, while Abbey Murphy and Laila Edwards are locked in a tight race for the second and third selections. Kirsten Simms, Tessa Janecke and Lacey Eden have each been highlighted by major publications as among the top prospects.
Rankings from The Athletic, The Hockey News and Daily Faceoff place Simms, Janecke and Eden in the fourth through sixth tier, making any of them a plausible choice for San Jose’s fourth overall pick. The team’s scouting director indicated that the organization is leaning toward a forward who can immediately contribute offensively.
With the draft just days away, excitement among fans and stakeholders is palpable. The league’s expansion has already sparked discussions about market growth, and the upcoming selections will be closely watched as a litmus test for the PWHL’s competitive balance.