PWHL mock draft: Who could your favourite team pick on Tuesday?

Just two weeks after an expansion draft that reshaped the PWHL, teams are gearing up for the entry draft to re-stock their talent pool. The PWHL Draft is set for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET in Ottawa, where each team will have the opportunity to select players over six rounds.

The New York Sirens will have the first pick in the draft, followed by the Boston Fleet, Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, PWHL Vancouver, and PWHL Seattle. Vancouver and Seattle will alternate draft positions each round, while the rest of the teams will maintain the same order.

Unlike the previous drafts that brought in players like Taylor Heise and Sarah Fillier, this year’s draft doesn’t have a clear-cut choice for the first overall pick. However, there is still high-end talent available for teams to choose from.

Some of the top contenders for the first overall pick include Casey O’Brien, a centre from the University of Wisconsin, sharp-shooting forward Kristýna Kaltounková from Colgate University, and two-way defender Haley Winn from Clarkson University.

Each team has specific needs to address in the draft. The New York Sirens, for example, are looking to fill major holes at forward after losing key players to PWHL Seattle. The best fit for them would be Casey O’Brien, a prolific scorer from Wisconsin, who could play alongside Sarah Fillier.

The Boston Fleet, on the other hand, are focused on rebuilding their defense and could benefit from selecting Haley Winn, a dynamic defender from Clarkson University. Winn’s ability to move the puck and excel at both ends of the ice would be a perfect fit for Boston.

The Toronto Sceptres may opt for Nicole Gosling, a world champion with Team Canada, to bolster their defense and quarterback their power play. Montreal Victoire could consider Rory Guilday, a shutdown defender, to fill the gaps left by departing players.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Charge could target Kendall Cooper, a defenseman from Quinnipiac University, to improve their defensive core and power play. The Minnesota Frost may have the opportunity to select Kristýna Kaltounková, a forward with a strong shot and physical play, to add depth to their lineup.

PWHL Vancouver could benefit from Anne Cherkowski, a versatile forward from Clarkson University, who can play in various roles within the lineup. Lastly, PWHL Seattle, who already has a solid top six in place, may choose Ella Huber, a fast and playmaking forward from the University of Minnesota, to add depth to their roster.

The PWHL Draft presents an exciting opportunity for teams to replenish their talent pool and build for the future. With a mix of top prospects and specific team needs, this year’s draft promises to be an intriguing event for PWHL fans and players alike.