Top 10 LPHF Draft Prospects

The second draft in the history of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (LPHF) will be held Monday evening in Minnesota. Here’s an overview of the players who could steal the show.

Two weeks after seeing Minnesota win the first Walter Cup, a total of 42 players will be selected in the seven rounds. Teams will be able to choose from among 160 eligible players from 19 countries.

New York will be the first team to speak, followed by Ottawa, Minnesota, Boston, Montreal and Toronto.

Sarah Fillier, attacker, Princeton, NCAA (Canada)

The 23-year-old Canadian will undoubtedly be the first choice in this draft. The one that many see as the successor to Marie-Philip Poulin has already enjoyed great success on the international scene, despite her young age. She already has three World Championship gold medals and an Olympic gold medal to her name. At the 2022 Beijing Games, she scored eight goals in seven games and at the 2023 World Cup, she was named tournament MVP.

Fillier is a complete player who is particularly dangerous in the offensive zone. Her speed and technical skills put her in a class of her own. Last season, she scored 30 goals in 29 games at the University Princeton.

It would be a major acquisition for the New York team, which had a disastrous first season. The duo of Alex Carpenter and Sarah Fillier could quickly become one of the most dangerous in the LPHF.

Danielle Serdachny, forward, Canada

If it wasn’t for Sarah Fillier, Danielle Serdachny could very well have been selected first place. She goes a little under the radar because she skated in the fourth line of the national team at the last World Championships. But it was she who ultimately scored the winning goal in overtime to allow Canada to win the gold medal.

With her imposing size, this 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) player could immediately add value to the attack of a team like Ottawa. Alongside a player like Brianne Jenner, who is an outstanding playmaker, or Tereza Vanisova, an extremely fast player, the results could be immediate.

Hannah Bilka, forward, United States

What team wouldn’t want a fast, aggressive and determined attacker? Many see the American ending up in Minnesota and we have to admit that reuniting her with Taylor Heise would be a dream scenario.

She is an excellent playmaker. And even if she is not the tallest or the biggest, she knew how to develop a physical game during her five years in the American university circuit. She is not shy and will never hesitate to sacrifice herself for a battle in the back of the territory, a major asset in this league which has proven to be extremely robust.

Cayla Barnes, defender, United States

The American is only 5’1″ (1.56m) tall, but she could quickly become one of a team’s top-four defenders. It is particularly effective on the power play. If the United States chose to trust him for two Olympic Games and five World Championships, it is no coincidence.

Her skating and her efficiency during transitions in the offensive zone make her a complete defender. Last year she was the best in the NCAA with a differential of +71, a statistic that could convince some managers to choose it.

Izzy Daniel, forward, United States

It is difficult to predict at what rank the American will be selected. An excellent playmaker, this winger shoots from the right side, an asset that would allow her to move up a few spots in the draft.

She may not be as talked about as some of her acolytes, but that could make her the hidden card, the surprise of this year.

A disciplined player, she is recognized as having excellent discipline at work and that is exactly what many are looking for. Executives said on condition of anonymity that the attitude had been problematic in the case of some young players last year.

Claire Thompson, defender, Canada

The Canadian was not eligible for the draft last year since she was continuing her medical studies. She notably stood out during the Beijing Olympic Games by being the top scorer among the defenders.

If she is still available at the fifth level, we should not be surprised to see Danièle Sauvageau, from Montreal, choose her. Claire Thompson would then be reunited with Erin Ambrose, her teammate alongside whom she enjoyed success on the international scene. This defensive duo could suddenly become one of the best in the league. This would be a significant improvement for Montreal, as the depth of its defense was rather problematic last year. However, this is an immediate choice since Thompson plans to eventually complete his medical studies.

Noora Tulus, forward, Finland

The 28-year-old Finn already has professional experience. Last year, she finished first in scoring in the Swedish Elite League with a lead of nine points. She still chose to make the jump to America.

She can have an immediate effect on a team’s attack, but also help supervise a club that has several players just out of university.

Daniela Pejšová, defender, Czechia

She may not have as instant an impact as other defenders who are selected early, but her incredible potential could make her a player chosen in the first two rounds. At only 21 years old, she can fill different roles and is already very reliable in her zone.

Despite her young age, she already has professional experience in Sweden, in addition to having represented the Czech Republic on the international stage.

Amanda Kessel, forward, United States

It is still surprising that a 32-year-old player who has won four World Championship gold medals and an Olympic gold medal is available for this draft. She had chosen to take a break in order to work with the Penguins from Pittsburgh last year.

Since the start of her career, she has proven that she has undeniable offensive talent and that she has a certain knack for scoring important goals. It is not unrealistic to think that she could end up in Boston, with Hilary Knight, her long-time partner with whom she had so much success in the United States. Not to be overlooked, Boston’s coach is Courtney Kessel, Amanda Kessel’s sister-in-law.

Julia Gosling, forward, Canada

At 5’10” (1.78m), the 23-year-old Canadian is a very attractive candidate. She is a power forward who is not afraid to drive to the net. We can compare her style of play to that of Natalie Spoon.

Indeed, Toronto could be an obvious destination, as she played under the orders of Gina Kingsbury and Troy Ryan with the Canadian team. She also knows Kori Cheverie, Montreal’s head coach, very well, and is represented by Karell Émard and Quartexx Managementa Montreal agency.

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More Europeans…

When the LPHF was officially launched last year, many players already had deals in various other leagues. This time, several of them chose to take the plunge into this circuit. This is particularly the case for Europeans who continued their careers in Sweden last year.

In addition to those previously mentioned, Swedish defender Maja Nylén Persson and Finnish defender Ronja Savolainen are highly likely to be chosen in the first two rounds.

Quebecers…

Unfortunately, there will be very few Quebec women who will be drafted. The only one who is guaranteed, or almost, to find a team is Emmy Fecteau, the captain of the Stingers from Concordia. Alexie Guay, who played at the University Clarksoncould also be selected at the end of the draft.

This is not an end in itself for Quebec hockey players. They could still get invited to training camps. This is precisely how many obtained a position last season.

The day after the draft, Tuesday, the trophy presentation ceremony of the LPHF will be presented in the same place.

Teams will then be able to reach agreements with free agents starting June 21, including with athletes who were not selected in the draft. Before this date, managers can make offers to players who were part of their squad last year.

Then, the names and logos of each team should be revealed during the month of August.

The second year of existence of the LPHF will feature a 30-game schedule, compared to 24 in the inaugural season.