The 2026-27 PWHL season is shaping up to be an exciting one for fantasy hockey managers. With the league expanding to 12 teams, a talented rookie class entering the league, and several established international players making their PWHL debuts, there are plenty of new names worth watching.
This year’s rookie class features Olympic gold medalists, NCAA champions, and some of the most productive players in women’s college hockey. Several could step into significant roles right away, while others may need time to adjust to the professional game.
For fantasy managers, the key is identifying which rookies have the talent and opportunity to contribute immediately. Here are 10 players who could make an impact in their first PWHL season. The list isn’t a strict ranking; it focuses on fantasy potential and opportunity.
1. Abbey Murphy — Forward, Seattle Torrent
Abbey Murphy arrives in Seattle with one of the most impressive offensive résumés in the 2026 draft class. The former University of Minnesota forward led the NCAA in points per game during the 2025-26 season and helped Team USA capture Olympic gold, recording seven points in seven games. Selected second overall, Murphy brings an aggressive, high-energy style built around speed, puck pursuit, and a dangerous shot. She has the offensive instincts to become a major contributor in Seattle’s inaugural season, and her ability to create scoring chances could translate quickly to the professional game.
The Add List Take: Murphy is one of the most intriguing fantasy rookies entering the league. Her scoring ability and willingness to attack make her a potential difference-maker. If she earns a top-six role and power-play time, she could become a valuable fantasy option right away.
2. Caroline Harvey — Defender, Vancouver Goldeneyes
Caroline Harvey was the first overall selection in the 2026 PWHL Draft, and for good reason. The former Wisconsin standout won the Patty Kazmaier Award, captured three NCAA championships, and helped the United States win Olympic gold. Harvey also tied for the tournament scoring lead at the 2026 Winter Olympics with nine points. She brings exceptional offensive instincts, mobility, and puck-moving ability to Vancouver’s blue line. As the first defender ever selected first overall in a PWHL Draft, expectations are understandably high. Vancouver has an opportunity to build its defense around a player who has already excelled at the highest levels of international and collegiate hockey.
The Add List Take: Harvey has the potential to be a fantasy-relevant defender immediately. Her offensive instincts and ability to contribute on the power play give her an attractive ceiling. She should be on every fantasy manager’s rookie watchlist, particularly in leagues that place value on defenders who produce points.
3. Kirsten Simms — Forward, Toronto Sceptres
Kirsten Simms joins the Toronto Sceptres after a decorated career at the University of Wisconsin. A three-time NCAA champion, Simms finished her final collegiate season with 59 points in 31 games, showcasing the scoring touch and playmaking ability that made her one of the most productive forwards in the 2026 draft class. Toronto selected her eighth overall, adding a proven offensive talent to its forward group. Simms has the skill to contribute in several situations, and her experience in high-pressure games should help her adjust to the professional level.
The Add List Take: Simms is an appealing fantasy prospect because she combines scoring ability with a strong track record of production. Her path to immediate fantasy value will depend on her role in Toronto’s lineup, but she has the offensive talent to make an impact in her rookie season.
4. Lacey Eden — Forward, Las Vegas
Lacey Eden brings a wealth of experience to the Las Vegas lineup after a highly successful career at Wisconsin. A proven scorer and four-time NCAA champion, Eden finished her final collegiate season with 77 points in 41 games. She was selected fifth overall and gives Las Vegas a forward who can contribute offensively while also playing a responsible two-way game. Eden’s experience, consistency, and ability to produce in different situations could make her an important part of the team’s inaugural roster.
The Add List Take: Eden may not generate the same attention as some of the more explosive rookies, but her proven production makes her an interesting fantasy option. She has the tools to earn meaningful minutes early, and her well-rounded game could help her find a consistent role in Las Vegas.
5. Tessa Janecke — Forward, Las Vegas
Tessa Janecke enters the PWHL after an outstanding career at Penn State, where she finished as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 201 points. Selected third overall by Las Vegas, Janecke has already demonstrated that she can produce against high-level competition. She also represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping the team win gold. Her combination of speed, skill, and offensive awareness should give her an opportunity to contribute immediately. With Las Vegas building a new roster, Janecke could be given the responsibility to help drive the team’s offense from the beginning.
The Add List Take: Janecke is a player fantasy managers should keep a close eye on. Her collegiate production and international experience suggest she has the ability to handle a significant role. If she receives top-line or power-play opportunities, she could become one of the more productive rookies in the league.
6. Laila Edwards — Defender, San Jose
Laila Edwards was selected fourth overall by San Jose and became the first player drafted in franchise history. The former Wisconsin standout offers a rare combination of size, puck skills, and offensive ability. She produced consistently at the NCAA level and also played a significant role for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing with eight points. Edwards has experience playing both forward and defense, but she is expected to make her professional impact on the blue line. Her offensive instincts could make her an important part of San Jose’s transition game and power play.
The Add List Take: Edwards is an intriguing fantasy option because of her offensive upside and versatility. She has the potential to produce more than the typical rookie defender, particularly if San Jose gives her opportunities with the extra attacker. Her role will be worth monitoring throughout training camp.
7. Petra Nieminen — Forward, Montréal Victoire
Petra Nieminen is an experienced international forward who could make an immediate impression with Montréal. Selected 12th overall, Nieminen arrives from Sweden’s SDHL, where she has already established herself as a productive player. She also brings international experience with Finland, including participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Unlike some of the NCAA rookies entering the league, Nieminen has already played professional hockey, which could help her adapt to the PWHL. Her offensive instincts and experience against senior competition make her an interesting addition to Montréal’s forward group.
The Add List Take: Nieminen is a name fantasy managers shouldn’t overlook simply because she wasn’t a top-five pick. Her professional experience could help her adjust quickly, and she has the offensive ability to become a useful fantasy contributor if she earns a regular role in Montréal’s top nine.
8. Nelli Laitinen — Defender, Hamilton
Nelli Laitinen was selected sixth overall by Hamilton and brings considerable international and collegiate experience to the expansion team. The Finnish defender captained the University of Minnesota and has represented her country at the international level, including the 2026 Winter Olympics. Laitinen is known for her defensive awareness and ability to make smart decisions with the puck. While she may not have the same offensive profile as some of the other rookies on this list, she could become an important part of Hamilton’s blue line as the team establishes its identity.
The Add List Take: Laitinen’s fantasy value will likely depend on how much offensive responsibility Hamilton gives her. She has the potential to earn meaningful minutes, but managers in points-only leagues should monitor her power-play role before making a commitment.
9. Emma Peschel — Defender, New York Sirens
Emma Peschel was selected seventh overall by the New York Sirens after helping Ohio State win a national championship. At 5-foot-10, Peschel brings size and a strong defensive presence to the blue line. She also demonstrated offensive ability during her collegiate career, making her an interesting prospect for a New York team looking to strengthen its defense. Peschel’s combination of size, experience, and puck-moving ability gives her a chance to compete for meaningful minutes as a rookie.
The Add List Take: Peschel may be more of a long-term fantasy prospect than an immediate scoring threat, but there is potential here. If she can secure a regular role and earn opportunities on the power play, she could become a player to watch in deeper fantasy leagues.
10. Sloane Matthews — Forward, San Jose
Sloane Matthews joins San Jose after a successful collegiate career at Ohio State. Selected 16th overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft, Matthews finished her final NCAA season with 44 points in 41 games. She brings a combination of offensive skill and experience from a championship-caliber program. San Jose has several new players competing for roles, which could create opportunities for Matthews to establish herself early. Her ability to contribute offensively makes her a name worth tracking as the team prepares for its first season.
The Add List Take: Matthews is a deeper fantasy sleeper compared with some of the higher-profile rookies on this list. Her collegiate production is encouraging, but her fantasy value will depend heavily on her deployment. Keep an eye on her during training camp and preseason, especially if she earns a spot alongside San Jose’s top offensive players.
Final Thoughts: Which PWHL Rookies Should Fantasy Managers Target?
The 2026-27 rookie class offers fantasy managers plenty of options, with several players capable of contributing right away. Abbey Murphy, Caroline Harvey, Kirsten Simms, Lacey Eden, and Tessa Janecke stand out because of their offensive production and potential to earn significant roles.
Laila Edwards is another particularly interesting player, especially if she receives power-play opportunities in San Jose. Meanwhile, Petra Nieminen brings professional experience that could help her adapt quickly to Montréal.
Of course, draft position and past production don’t guarantee immediate fantasy success. Training camp and preseason will provide important clues about line combinations, power-play roles, and which rookies are ready to take on larger responsibilities.
For fantasy managers, the best approach is to keep these 10 players on the radar and pay close attention to how their teams deploy them. A rookie who earns a top-six role or power-play time could quickly become a valuable addition.
The PWHL’s expansion to 12 teams creates even more opportunities for new players to make an impact. This year’s rookie class could be one of the most exciting groups fantasy managers have had to evaluate.
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