The PWHL has finally announced the draft order ahead of the 2026 PWHL Draft in Detroit on Wednesday, June 17. The draft kicks off at 5 p.m. ET at Fox Theatre.
The draft order is as follows, and will remain the same for all six rounds:
- Vancouver Goldeneyes
- Seattle Torrent
- PWHL Detroit
- PWHL San Jose
- PWHL Las Vegas
- PWHL Hamilton
- New York Sirens
- Toronto Sceptres
- Minnesota Frost
- Boston Fleet
- Ottawa Charge
- Montréal Victoire
The Vancouver Goldeneyes won the Gold Plan, securing the right to the first-overall pick. The Torrent had the second-most Gold Plan points. The league then says that the order of the four expansion teams “was determined by a randomized draw in the presence of all General Managers.”
The Sirens and Sceptres both also missed out on the playoffs, but are left with the seventh- and eighth-overall selections, below all the expansion teams. Picks #9 through #12 are the playoff teams in their reverse standings order.
Detroit is expected to trade the third-overall pick to Las Vegas for the rights to Hilary Knight. The deal will be made official once the league’s trade freeze lifts Tuesday.
Defender Caroline Harvey is protected as the first overall pick. A total of 235 players declared for the draft, including many emerging from NCAA or USports hockey. A number of players from Europe have also declared, including several high-profile players likely to be selected.
The draft will last six rounds and see 72 total players selected. Fans around the world can watch the entire draft live on YouTube. In Canada, TSN2 will cover the first two rounds, with full coverage on TSN+. Scripps Sports platforms across the United States will cover the first two rounds.
Existing PWHL teams now face an exclusive re-signing period on June 16 and 18, bookending the draft. An open free agency signing period then begins on June 19 at 12 p.m. ET.
