🏒 Top 10 Undrafted Prospects for the 2026 PWHL Draft
The 2026 PWHL Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest yet, with a heavy NCAA pipeline and a ton of Olympic-level talent entering the mix. Scouts have been circling this class for months—and for good reason.
🥇 1. Caroline Harvey – Defense (Wisconsin)
Why she’s here: Projected #1 overall pick across multiple rankings ()
The vibe:
Harvey doesn’t just control the game—she runs it. Elite skating, elite vision, elite everything. She’s the kind of defense who makes forwards question their life choices.
👉 Franchise cornerstone energy.
🥈 2. Abbey Murphy – Forward (Minnesota)
Why she’s here: One of the top goal scorers in NCAA hockey
The vibe:
Murphy plays like she’s fueled by chaos and caffeine. Small, fast, and absolutely relentless.
👉 Blink and she’s already celebrating.
🥉 3. Laila Edwards – Defense/Forward (Wisconsin)
Why she’s here: Versatile, high-end prospect with size and scoring touch
The vibe:
Edwards is basically a cheat code—big, skilled, and can play multiple positions. Coaches love that. Opponents do not.
👉 Built like a defender, scores like a forward.
4. Kirsten Simms – Forward (Wisconsin)
Why she’s here: Elite speed + top-tier production
The vibe:
Simms is pure offense. She shows up, creates chances, disappears, and then suddenly has two points.
👉 Quietly ruining your defensive structure.
5. Tessa Janecke – Forward (Penn State)
Why she’s here: Consistent, high-end playmaker
The vibe:
Janecke doesn’t force plays—she just always makes the right one. Coaches trust her. Teammates love her.
👉 Hockey IQ doing heavy lifting.
6. Lacey Eden – Forward (Wisconsin)
Why she’s here: One of the most productive players on a stacked roster
The vibe:
Eden is the player who somehow gets overlooked… until she’s got multiple points again.
👉 “Oh right, she’s really good.”
7. Thea Johansson – Forward (Minnesota Duluth)
Why she’s here: Strong international + NCAA production
The vibe:
Johansson brings speed, skill, and just enough edge to make every shift uncomfortable for defenders.
👉 A problem. Repeatedly.
8. Emma Peschel – Defense (Ohio State)
Why she’s here: Reliable two-way defender with upside
The vibe:
Peschel is steady, smart, and rarely makes mistakes—which in hockey is basically a superpower.
👉 Coaches sleep better when she’s on the ice.
9. Nelli Laitinen – Defense (Minnesota)
Why she’s here: International experience + strong two-way game
The vibe:
Laitinen plays a calm, controlled game—until she jumps into the rush and surprises everyone.
👉 Sneaky offense from the back end.
10. Isabel Wunder – Forward (Princeton)
Why she’s here: Size + skill combination with upside
The vibe:
Wunder has the tools teams drool over—size, reach, and scoring touch. Still developing, but the ceiling is very real.
👉 High risk, high reward.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Experts are calling this a “loaded” draft class, with multiple players capable of stepping into top-line roles quickly.
Which means:
- Someone picked outside the top 5 will become a star
- And this draft will shape the league for years
🔥 Quick Take
- Best overall: Harvey (no debate)
- Most electric: Murphy
- Highest upside: Edwards
- Biggest sleeper: Johansson
And remember:
Half these players will exceed expectations…
…and one will make every team regret everything.
– The Add List +