Early Speculation: Your First Look at the 2025 PWHL Draft

Clear your calendars and circle June 24 in bold. The 2025 PWHL Draft is coming to Ottawa, and it’s quickly shaping up to be a must-see event. The nation’s capital is ready to host the league’s third-ever entry draft, and if the first two were exciting already, year three is bringing in even more talent. From future franchise players to sibling stories, this year’s draft class has it all.

Draft Details and Expectations

Courtesy of the PWHL

Ottawa’s hockey heritage runs incredibly deep, and now it’s the site for the PWHL’s next big step. After both a successful inaugural and second season, the league is already building momentum–and this year's draft is another checkpoint. The city gets to welcome teams, fans, media and a new wave of talented athletes who just can’t wait to hear their names called.

Expect a mix of hockey tradition and modern, exciting energy. The PWHL draft isn’t just a formality, but also a celebration. There’ll be cameras, interviews, jerseys handed out, hugs, tears and plenty of surprises.

The format of this year’s draft has yet to be announced, with the impending decision on whether there will be two new teams with expansion. In 2024, the six teams simply made their selections through seven rounds, with the order based on season standings.

Teams will need to be strategic, balancing positional needs while taking the opportunity to get the best player available. With so many standout defenders and talented forwards in the mix, there’s plenty of room for bold moves and big statements. And let’s be honest–it wouldn’t be a draft without the surprise of someone staying on the board for way longer than expected.

Casey O’Brien

Courtesy of Casey O’Brien via Instagram

If you don’t know the name Casey O’Brien yet, you definitely will soon. The Harvard standout forward has been a showstopper with her elite game and academic success. Scouts love her for her vision and puck control, but she also brings a sense of leadership that teams need. She’s projected to be a top-five pick–and the potential face of a franchise.

O’Brien spent her collegiate career with the University of Wisconsin, where in her final season, she put up 26 goals and 62 assists for 88 points in only 41 games played. Her speed and puck-handling skills gave her an advantage against opponents–and she just keeps getting better.

Nicole Gosling

Courtesy of Nicole Gosling via X/Twitter

Defense wins championships–and Nicole Gosling knows a thing or two about that. The former Clarkson University blueliner finished off her senior year with 14 goals and 25 assists, tied for the team lead in both categories. Her performance earned her ECAC Defender of the Year honors, as well as a selection to the ECAC All-First Team.

Nicole is also the cousin of Julia Gosling, the sixth-overall pick in last year’s draft and a rising star with the Toronto Sceptres. The family connection adds another exciting storyline to keep tabs on, and you better believe Toronto fans have their fingers crossed for a family reunion.

Gosling is a consistent and steady force on the back end, with a strong presence and an ability to stay calm under pressure that general managers go crazy for.

Abby Newhook

Courtesy of NESN

Speaking of family connections, Abby Newhook is another notable name in this year’s draft class. Sound familiar? She’s the younger sister of Alex Newhook, Stanley Cup champion and current NHL forward with the Montreal Canadiens. But make no mistake–Abby’s game is her own.

Newhook is a fast, creative forward with an eye for the net, and her collegiate career has been marked by consistent offensive production and a strong work ethic. Newhook has been lighting it up at Boston College, showcasing a mix of skill and leadership. She’s the kind of player who makes highlight reels, and could easily go in the top 10 if a team is looking for offensive firepower.

Other Notable Prospects

Courtesy of Mika Kylmäniemi/Finnish Ice Hockey Association

This draft class isn’t just top heavy, there’s depth and talent all throughout. Here’s a few names to keep an eye on.

If Abbey Murphy declares for the 2025 draft, she’d be the clear frontrunner to be the first-overall pick. The talented forward has been a standout at the University of Minnesota since the 2020-21 season, and this year, she wore the captain’s “C” alongside three of her teammates. This was a testament to her leadership and impact both on and off the ice. With each passing season, Murphy’s game has reached new heights and consistently evolved as her role grew within the Golden Gophers’ lineup.

Haley Winn: A product of Clarkson and a speedy defender with an offensive upside, Winn is a star on and off the power play.

Natálie Mlýnková: A Czech winger who turned heads and gained attention after making the decision to transfer to Minnesota, where she brought big goals and even bigger energy.

Viivi Vainikka: A Finnish star who has done incredibly well internationally, and she’s more than ready to bring her talents to the professional stage.

The Future is Bright

Courtesy of the PWHL

The 2025 PWHL Draft in Ottawa isn’t just about scouting reports and stats, but about dreams coming true instead. It’s about the little girls watching at home that get to see what’s truly possible, and about a league proving that it’s here to stay. The next wave of stars are ready to take that step and propel the league even further.

Whether you’re a diehard supporter of the PWHL or just someone who loves the game of hockey, this draft is for you. See you in Ottawa!

Edited by Jenna Mandarano