The PWHL Draft was just over a month ago, and as everyone had expected, the Vancouver Goldeneyes selected Caroline Harvey first overall from the University of Wisconsin. A pick that is almost certainly going to improve the Goldeneyes next season as they look to build upon their inaugural year. The main question, however, is how will KK Harvey slot into the lineup and fit with the team?

What Harvey brings to Vancouver

First, it is important to understand what kind of player Harvey is. She is a generational talent. She makes everything look effortless across all three zones and can be counted on at any time.

Dynamic skating and elite vision make her a threat in transition and on rushes. She can see outlets to send the puck up the ice and out of the defensive zone, along with finding teammates for chances. Her skating is showcased often. She can burn by a defender with ease, and also track back not creating a defensive hole for her team.

Defensively, she plays an extremely sound game. She doesn’t give opponents a lot of space to make a move. She tracks the puck and will position herself to knock players off the puck. Her previously mentioned skating also goves her a leg up in her own end. Skating by Harvey is incredibly difficult as she can keep up with almost anyone. It’s from there that she creates a rush the other way and a Grade A chance for her team.

All of that packaged together in one player is incredibly special, especially considering she is elite at each aspect. Add the fact that she is only 23-years-old and you can see why Harvey is touted as a generational talent.

Spot in lineup

A player of Harvey’s calibre is going to be playing on the first pair, that is a given. What is more interesting is who she would be partnered with, although that seems obvious too.

Sophie Jacques was the best defender—and arguably best player—on the Goldeneyes last season. She led the team in points (20), and tied for the team lead in goals (9). She was also a nominee for Defender of the Year with her standout performance.

The two of them would complement each other really well on the blue line. Each of them can hold their own in transition, get on the scoresheet, and shut it down in front of the net. If the two of them do end up playing alongside each other, they could be the best defensive pairing in the league.

Team’s defensive mindset

Harvey is also going to a team that since the beginning has made it clear that they are putting an emphasis on the blue line. General Manager Cara Gardner Morey’s first pick in the expansion draft last year was Ashton Bell—who was also named captain before the season began. She later added Jacques, Claire Thompson, and Nina Jobst-Smith. This past draft, Morey drafted three defenders with her five picks, (Harvey, Jules Constantinople, Ashley Messier).

Harvey will be the number one most likely out of the defence core, and the Goldeneyes will hope that their strong focus on their defence will bring success.