With the preliminary round complete, the stage is set for the quarter-finals at the IIHF women’s World Championships in Czechia. Next up are elimination games, and the stands will not only be packed with the enthusiastic and record setting crowds that have visited České Budějovice all week, but also with PWHL general managers and scouts.
The IIHF women’s World Championships are the last in person event for teams to get a look at potential 2025 PWHL Draft picks.
Here’s a look at how the top PWHL Draft prospects are faring at the IIHF women’s World Championships:
PWHL Draft Prospects – Forwards
Abbey Murphy, RW, 2002, Minnesota – Team USA
Fast and physical, with an incredible release. Few play the game the way Murphy does. She’ll immediately step onto a PWHL top line. Consensus first overall pick if she declares. Has two goals and three points in four games for USA. Hasn’t broken out yes, hasn’t had to.
Krystina Kaltounkova, C, 2002, Colgate – Team Czechia
There was a moment in the round robin where Kaltounkova shoved Marie-Philip Poulin, then knocked over Laura Stacey. She followed that up by winning face-offs, blocking shots, and blasting a pair of goals. Whatever PWHL team gets Kaltounkova is getting a physical presence and a potent goal scorer. They’re also going to be a far more difficult team to play against.
Natalie Mlynkova, LW, 2001, Minnesota – Team Czechia
Just like last year, when you watch Mlynkova on the world stage, it’s hard not to picture her sliding upward in the draft. She’s a top 10 pick, and it’s because of her mix of speed, two-way acumen, and the fact that she’s relentless on the puck. With the puck, Mlynkova can dance in and out of traffic. She looks like a second line player in the PWHL right now, and one that can play in every situation.
Lacey Eden, RW, 2002, Wisconsin – Team USA
Showing her ability as a two-way checking line forward. Not a lot of offensive opportunities, but she’ll earn those looks in the PWHL, and what teams will value more (if she declares), is her responsibility away from the puck.
Michelle Karvinen, LW, 1990, Frolunda – Team Finland
Experience an x-factor. She sees the ice so well, does the little things well, and remains an elite playmaker and offensive talent. Age isn’t on her side, but when she gets to the PWHL, she’ll make her mark. Broke Finland’s all-time scoring record at the tournament.
Sara Hjalmarsson, C, 1998, Linkoping – Team Sweden
Has shown she’s strong at the dot, defensively aware, and still likes to get into the corners and net front to muck it up. Pucks will go in off every part of Hjlamarsson simply because she gets to the difficult areas. She will make a bottom six in the PWHL with upside for special teams more difficult to play against.
Franziska Feldmeier, F, 1999, Eisbaren Berlin – Team Germany
Could she contribute in a depth way to a PWHL team? Certainly. The Germans play solid two-way hockey. Feldmeier has skill, but will face an adjustment in North America. Worth a camp invite if not a pick.
PWHL Draft Prospects – Defenders
Haley Winn, D, 2003, Clarkson – Team USA
She moves so well generating offense. Her mobility allows Winn to open passing lanes with her feet. Could go first overall if a team wants a top pairing defender. Has three assists in four games in the tournament.
Nina Jobst-Smith, D, 2001, Minnesota-Duluth – Team Germany
Does a lot of things well. Rarely loses a puck battle, makes safe plays. Should be a safe bet to improve a third pairing and play reliable two-way minutes in the PWHL. Playing a ton for Germany.
Paula Bergstrom, D, 1999, Frolunda – Team Sweden
A model of consistency who could contribute as a third pair defender when the PWHL expands. She’s steady and reliable. A good heads up defender.
PWHL Draft Prospects – Goaltenders
Andrea Brandli, G, MoDo – Team Switzerland
The best goalie in Europe right now, Brandli has earned her opportunity in the PWHL, and this year at Worlds faced more shots than any netminder in Group A by a landslide. Without Brandli, Switzerland would be getting blasted.
Sanni Ahola, G, 2000, St. Cloud State – Team Finland
Hasn’t been her best performance to date with Finland, but Ahola was getting hung out to dry early and often against USA, which hurt her stats. She can make a big save in a key moment, and put together a stellar NCAA career.
