The 2024 PWHL Draft is focusing on defenders this year. Why? Well, there are about 15 spots open for defenders; however, there are around 25 very good ones who could play in the PWHL next year. That’s great for the league but tough for the players. Last year, teams wanted defenders.
Players like Jocelyne Larocque, Ella Shelton, and others were picked up super early. With the 2024 Draft coming, lots of teams will want defenders again.
But there are so many good ones this time, some won’t make it. It’s going to be interesting to see who gets those spots!
Top Prospects and Hidden Gems in the 2024 PWHL Draft
The 2024 PWHL Draft promises to be an unprecedented event in the scope of defensive talent available, heralding a significant shift in team strategies as they head into the hockey finals and beyond. Among the top prospects predicted to dominate the opening rounds are Claire Thompson, Ronja Savolainen, Cayla Barnes, Daniela Pejsova, and Maja Nylen Persson, each bringing their unique skills and potential to elevate the defensive game in the league.
These athletes are expected to be closely followed by a robust second wave of talent, including Megan Carter, Allyson Simpson, Mae Batherson, and a list of others, totaling an impressive 23 defenders. This influx of defensive prowess is enough to overhaul nearly four blueliners per team, underscoring the depth of this draft class.
The abundance of talent sparks a positive, albeit challenging, scenario for PWHL teams. With sights set on bolstering their defenses for the rigorous demands of post-season and hockey finals, the league finds itself in a peculiar situation. Despite the immediate benefit of such depth, the reality is that not all talented prospects will secure a spot, given the finite number of available positions on PWHL rosters. Current rosters feature a mix of veterans on multi-year contracts and upcoming stars on one-year deals, but the draft’s depth outstrips the actual demand.
This scenario underscores a broader trend within the league. The richness of talent available in the draft could see some players exploring opportunities in other leagues, such as the SDHL and SWHL, especially those with opt-out clauses in anticipation of the draft. The 2024 PWHL Draft is not just about who gets selected; it’s about the ripple effect these decisions have on the players, the teams, and the landscape of women’s hockey as a whole.
Impact of National Team Veterans on PWHL’s Defensive Strategy
The 2024 PWHL Draft showcases some super-skilled players who are pretty much guaranteed to make a huge splash in the league next year. Claire Thompson, Ronja Savolainen, Cayla Barnes, Maja Daniela Pejsova, and Nylen Persson are all big names coming into the draft. They’re not just any players; they’ve already shown what they’re capable of by playing for their national teams and in professional or international competitions. These players are so good that they’re expected to be among the top four defenders on any team they join in the PWHL.
Additionally, there are also players like Megan Carter and Allyson Simpson – two of the best defenders from the NCAA. They’re also expected to do big things in the PWHL next year. With all these players, teams in the PWHL are going to have some seriously strong defenses. It’s going to be awesome to see how all this talent shapes the game and the strategies teams use to win.
The Road to 2025 and Beyond
Looking at the future, the PWHL’s defensive lineup only gets more intense. In 2025, stars like Haley Winn and Rory Guilday from the USA and Nicole Gosling from Canada will enter the picture, all ready to stir things up.
There are also top NCAA players like Kendall Cooper and Vita Ponyatovskaya, plus European talents Jenni Hiirikoski and Emma Seitz, whose contracts are up, making them free to join the PWHL.
And that’s just the beginning. By 2026, more incredible defenders like Caroline Harvey and Nelli Laitinen will be available. With all these skilled players coming in, there’s going to be a huge call for expanding the league.
More talent is needed for the current setup. This means even some of the best players, especially defenders and goalies, might need help finding a spot. The PWHL is heading towards a point where it’ll need to grow or see some amazing players miss out.
