Caroline Harvey, a two-time Olympian and recent NCAA champion, leads the PWHL's 235-player draft pool as the top prospect. The league's expansion to 12 teams next season drives increased interest, with Detroit confirmed as a new franchise and three more to be announced. Vancouver holds the No. 1 pick, followed by Seattle, New York, and Toronto, while the full order remains unclear due to ongoing NHL playoffs.

Harvey's U.S. teammates dominate early projections: defender Laila Edwards, forward Kirsten Simms (both Wisconsin), Minnesota's Abbey Murphy, and Penn State's Tessa Janecke. Sweden's Thea Johansson (Minnesota-Duluth), Finland's Nelli Laitinen, and Switzerland's goalie duo Andrea Braendli and Saskia Maurer add international flair. Veteran Canadian Olympian Meghan Agosta, 39, seeks a comeback amid a mix of 32 North American prospects representing 13 countries, including six each from Finland and Germany, and five Russians.

The Patty Kazmaier Award-winning defender's college success and Olympic pedigree highlight the league's growing talent pipeline. With 23 Milan Cortina Games participants in this year's pool, scouts emphasize improved competition quality since the 2023 inaugural draft. Expansion teams aim to balance rosters by targeting underrepresented regions, though final selections will depend on playoff outcomes and team strategies.

The draft's structure reflects the PWHL's ambition to become a global powerhouse. While exact pick counts remain undisclosed, the league prioritizes player development over traditional draft formats. Veteran presence and collegiate stars alike signal a transitional phase for professional women's hockey, with Detroit's entry marking a pivotal step in league expansion.