PWHL Draft First-Round Recap and Predicting the 2026 PWHL Season

 The third ever PWHL Draft had happened recently held at the Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Ottawa, Ontario, which was special considering they introduced two new teams: PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle, both of which held the final picks of the draft. 

1. New York Sirens - Kristýna Kaltounková - F - Colgate University - A consistent point producer from the Czech Repbulic, the Sirens took what is believed to be the best player in this draft. Can be looked to either make plays and has a promising shot bringing what is believed to be a long PWHL career. What Kaltounková also has in her game is height which is a huge advantage in this sport. I think this pick instantly improves the Sirens and gives Sarah Fillier a line-mate for a long time.

2. Boston Fleet - Haley Winn - D - Clarkson University - The Boston Fleet take an offensive defenseman from Clarkson and defender of the year. But another key highlight of her career is winning various gold medals in junior tournaments for USA. What Winn also carries is leadership and with Hilary Knight now with PWHL Seattle, she can be that player to step up in her place. 

3. New York Sirens (via Toronto) - Casey O'Brien - University of Wisconsin - Casey O'Brien was an offensive machine with Wisconsin this season and the player I had at the top of my rankings, but what I love about her game is she can make the perfect plays and is very selfless, but if she needs to take the shot, she will. And New York bringing that to their team, while also selecting Kristýna Kaltounková, and Sarah Fillier being the young New York star forward, this team will be bringing home a championship in 2-3 seasons. 

4. Montreal Victoire - Nicole Gosling - D - Clarkson University - Gosling brings a more defensive game to her playing style, has good offensive abilities along with her height. But this makes Montreal a better team and more competitive, which they will need next season. 

5. Ottawa Charge - Rory Guilday - D - A tall defenseman to help keep Ottawa a competitive team going into the 2026 PWHL season. 

6. Minnesota Frost - Kendall Cooper - D - Minnesota brings in a leader and defensive defenseman to add to their skill. Minnesota making this pick makes sense considering they are already a consistent producing team. 

7. PWHL Vancouver - Michelle Karvinen - F - Frolunda HC - Already with professional experience and in a familiar but new market for the PWHL, I think PWHL Vancouver hit the nail on the head with this pick. PWHL Vancouver is ready to become a competitive team next season, and they got the right player for it. Plays a solid offensive game, and a veteran with lots of experience who also brings a solid compete level. All that aside, she'll bring great leadership to PWHL Vancouver. 

8. PWHL Seattle - Jenna Bugolini - F - Ohio State - Seattle adding offense should be the first priority and they took a really good forward. Although, lacks in height, it's a gamble for PWHL Seattle, one they can afford. 


Standing Predictions: 

1. Montreal Victoire - With strong goaltending and defense, they're set to be the best team in the PWHL. 

2. PWHL Seattle - I think the big factor here is Hilary Knight, because she is one of the best players in the PWHL, and her being close to home will also help. 

3. PWHL Vancouver - Have lots of veteran presence, and them drafting Karvinen is going to keep them going strong. 

4. New York Sirens - I think they've improved their offense this season and will make the playoffs for the first time ever. 

5. Boston Fleet - They improved this off-season, but losing Hilary Knight hurt them. 

6. Minnesota Frost - I think next season they take a bit of a beating, and still a good team but the 

7. Ottawa Charge - Although they did amazing these playoffs, they 

8. Toronto Sceptres - I think they took a beating last season they could've done way better with. But they also lost key players such as Sarah Nurse, who some fans had controversial opinions about, but losing her hurts Toronto. 

Who do I think wins: PWHL Seattle beats Montreal Victoire

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