As the regular season winds down and the Walter Cup Playoffs begin, we’re taking a second to reflect on the incredible talent across the league. Knowing the undeniable success of the “founding” stars like Marie-Philip Poulin (Montréal Victoire) and Hilary Knight (Seattle Torrent), both women are coming off a huge Olympic run in Milan. These two are no strangers to victory, especially on an international stage. With Poulin competing at four Olympic Games and Knight competing at five, it is safe to say they have definitely cemented their place as hockey legends.

While the legends aren’t done yet, the 2025–26 season has shown that the new wave of talent is no longer just “prospects.” They are the league’s new PWHL Stars, and the stats prove it.

League Leaders

These players are already playing in the PWHL, but they represent the “new” elite.

Sarah Fillier (F, New York Sirens)

Starting with the New York Sirens’ top scorer, Sarah Fillier, it’s safe to say that almost every PWHL fan knows her name. She’s on the verge of being the first player with consecutive 25-point seasons. With scoring the overtime-winning hat trick goal at Madison Square Garden on April 1st, Fillier is a name you are sure to see on the backs of fans for years to come.

Haley Winn (D, Boston Fleet)

Moving on to Boston, Haley Winn is one of the best rookie defenders in league history. Currently, she has 18 points and is challenging the singleseason record for a defender (22). Watching her in this year’s playoffs is set to be electric as this offensive-defender helps lead her team in their fight for the Walter Cup.

Taylor Heise (F, Minnesota Frost)

One name you can’t miss is Taylor Heise (Minnesota Frost). She remains the face of the youth movement in the PWHL and leads the league in assists (17) as of April. Additionally, she is currently second in the league for points (30) behind her teammate Kelly Pannek (32). As a Minnesota native and Gopher alum, there’s no doubt that hockey is in Taylor Heise’s blood. She’ll be sure to put on a show as she tries to complete the 3-peat as Walter Cup Champions.

The 2026 Draft Class: “Can’t Miss” Prospects

Since we are talking about upcoming youth in the league, we can’t miss the names likely to go #1, #2, and #3 in this year’s draft.

Caroline Harvey (D, Wisconsin)

The consensus #1 pick, without a doubt, is Wisconsin Badgers defender Caroline Harvey. She’s had an unbelievable season this year, competing at the Olympics in Milan, where she not only won Gold, but also won MVP as well as “Best Defender.” After her return to Wisconsin, she got right back with the Badgers. She helped her team win the NCAA Championship. If that wasn’t enough, she also won the Patty Kazmaier award. As an incredibly skilled offensive defender, Caroline Harvey is set to make a drastic impact on any PWHL team. She will lead the league for many years to come.

Abbey Murphy (F, Minnesota)

Known for her “pesky” style and elite scoring, Abbey Murphy just finished a dominant NCAA season. She is expected to be a top-3 pick. Her playing style and attitude are similar to those of the Montréal Victoire’s Abby Roque. Maybe it has something to do with the name “Abby.” These chirpy, shutdown players are part of what makes this game so entertaining to follow. We’ll wait to see where Murphy goes, but many are excited to see this top-shelf player make her PWHL debut.

Laila Edwards (D, Wisconsin)

As a rare power forward who can play both ends, Laila Edwards is a force to be reckoned with. She was an All-Star at the Olympics in Milan, becoming the first black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic Women’s hockey team, and yes, she is Caroline Harvey’s D-partner. The two Wisconsin defenders are inseparable and known for their friendship on and off the ice. From doing TikTok dances to assisting each other’s goals, their 24/7 bond will be missed. Nonetheless, Laila Edwards is sure to be a star on any team and ready to be a franchise player immediately.

Under the Radar Names to Watch

Casey O’Brien (New York Sirens)

O’Brien has quietly been having a record-breaking rookie year. She’s about to become the first rookie to hit 500 face-off wins. The “Jocks In Jills” podcast (official podcast of the PWHL) recently interviewed O’Brien. Here, she shared her bubbly personality and filled us in on the behind-the-scenes of the Sirens team and especially their amazing opportunity of playing at MSG.

Nadia Mattivi (Montréal Victoire)

Montréal recently signed Mattivi, who was the Italian national team captain. During the 2024–25 season, she was named SDHL Defender of the Year. She represents the growing international depth of the league from European levels of play, as opposed to the North American style of game most people may be used to.

The Future is in Great Hands

While the inevitable retirement of certain “founding” players will be a significant and emotional milestone for the PWHL, the wide range of talent from the NCAA and international stages ensures the level of play will only get faster, better, and more physical as the league progresses.

Gaining talent isn’t the only thing helping this league. With the continuation of sponsorships, visibility, and investment in women’s sports that the “founding” players fought for, there is nothing that can stop the women’s hockey train from growing.