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Year 2 of the PWHL: What to Expect from the 2024 Draft
After the successful conclusion of the inaugural PWHL season that saw Minnesota crowned as the first-ever champion, all eyes are now on the upcoming draft. The league’s six teams are gearing up to welcome a new crop of players into the pros at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in Saint Paul, Minn., on Monday, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and running seven rounds deep.
Key Details for the 2024 PWHL Draft
New York will have the honor of selecting first overall in the draft. The draft order is determined by the league standings after the regular season, with playoff results not taken into account. The PWHL also employs a “Draft Order Points” system that rewards teams for wins after their playoff elimination. Unlike last year, this draft will feature the same order through all seven rounds.
The draft order for the first round is as follows:
- New York
- Ottawa
- Minnesota
- Boston
- Montreal
- Toronto
A total of 167 players are eligible for selection by the PWHL teams. This pool includes 93 forwards, 48 defenders, and 26 goaltenders. All players declared for the draft by the May 8 deadline are now eagerly waiting for their names to be called.
The NCAA plays a significant role in this year’s draft class. Over half of the eligible players come from college programs, with 61 having played NCAA hockey in the U.S. and 35 representing U Sports squads in Canada. Additionally, 55 players bring professional experience from overseas leagues.
Top Prospects and Global Representation
Sarah Fillier is expected to be the first overall pick. The dynamic playmaker and Team Canada star has been a standout throughout her career. However, her teammate Danielle Serdachny, along with other top prospects like Hannah Bilka and Claire Thompson, are also poised to make an impact.
The 2024 draft class features players from 19 different nations. While Canadian and American talent remains prominent, the draft reflects the global growth of women’s hockey. Players from Europe, including Switzerland, Sweden, and Russia, are making their mark on the PWHL.
Six Intriguing Draft-Eligible Players
With a deep talent pool, the 2024 draft promises excitement and potential. Here are six players to watch:
Amanda Kessel, F, Team USA: The seasoned player brings a wealth of experience and could be a wildcard pick.
Daniela Pejšová, D, Luleå HF (SDHL): The young defenseman from Czechia is a rising international star.
Noora Tulus, F, Luleå HF (SDHL): A veteran scorer from Sweden, Tulus is ready for a new challenge in the PWHL.
Julia Gosling, F, St. Lawrence University (NCAA) and Team Canada: The power forward is forgoing her NCAA eligibility to turn pro and is expected to be a top pick.
Abby Boreen, F, PWHL Minnesota: Boreen’s unique path to the draft includes a championship with Minnesota and a focus on full-time hockey.
Gwyneth Philips, G, Northeastern University (NCAA): The standout goaltender boasts impressive stats and is a top prospect despite the competitive goalie landscape in the league.
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