With nearly 200 draft-eligible players looking to hear their name called at the 2025 PWHL Draft, it’s easy to focus on the NCAA stars and SDHL transfers. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some hidden gems that a savvy general manager can use to build out their roster. Chayla Edwards is one of those players.
Edwards, 24, is a steady defender who shouldn’t be overlooked. The Cleveland Heights, OH, native was a proven performer over five seasons at Wisconsin, which included two NCAA National Championships. While the Badgers are known for their high-flying offense, Edwards played a large role in maintaining stability on the back end through defensive responsibility and reliable shot-blocking. During their fifth and final year at Wisconsin, Edwards led the team in blocked shots with 56 in 39 games.
She also has a combination of size and skating that should make people take notice. At 5’9”, Edwards is a presence on the ice, but they also have the mobility to keep ahead of plays, contributing to their success with the Badgers. Her play is disciplined, too, with only 19 penalties (38 PIM) in her 174-game college career. While Edwards was overshadowed on a Wisconsin team that included stars like Caroline Harvey, Casey O’Brien, Kirsten Simms, and her sister, Laila, she was still an influential part of the Badgers’ game and always a player to keep an eye on when she hit the ice. That influence transferred off the ice, too, as they were a respected leader in the Badgers’ locker room and a two-time winner of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Disciplined. Loving. Loyal. Passionate. Selfless leaders.
This year’s Eli Stickley bELIeve Award goes to Chayla Edwards of @BadgerWHockey, and Josie Schaefer and L.O. Johnson of @BadgerTrackXC for exemplifying the characteristics Eli lived by.#UWBuckinghams || #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/CrqNkjDmIu
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) April 20, 2023
This is Edwards’ second year declaring for the PWHL draft. They did not play last season, but she was a preseason camp invite with the New York Sirens. Off the ice, Edwards is outspoken about important social issues and boosts meaningful voices and stories. There is risk in any draft pick, particularly in one who didn’t play in the prior year, but Edwards’ proven track record contributing to a powerhouse team may still convince a PWHL team to give her a shot.