#16: Nelli Laitinen
By: Giselle Velazquez
Previous ranking: N/A
2026-27 team: PWHL Hamilton
Laitinen finished her college career with another great season, notching 30 points in 33 games. She was once again a Gophers captain and ended with the most points in her career. The 24-year-old was a finalist for WCHA Defender of the Year and was named to the All-WCHA Second Team. At the Olympics in February, Laitinen was an alternate captain for Finland in her second Winter Games. She appeared in all of Finland’s games.
In the summer, Laitinen was drafted sixth overall by newcomers PWHL Hamilton in the 2026 PWHL Draft. She was the team’s first-ever draft pick and the first European player selected.
Laitinen should do well as she begins her pro career. Her style as a physical and mobile defender makes the PWHL a great next step for her. A team like Hamilton, just beginning play this season, will benefit from her skill as a two-way defender. I still see offense in Laitinen’s game in the pros!
Too high, too low? This is Laitinen’s debut on the Top 25 Under 25. The University of Minnesota produces such talented players, so it’s great that Laitinen is getting the credit she deserves here and in the league. It’s not a bad spot for a debut.
#15: Viivi Vainikka
By: Reid Lemker
Previous ranking: 17
2026-27 team: Minnesota Frost
Vainikka had another fantastic year in the SDHL last season, which helped her move up two spots on this list. Playing for Brynäs IF in 2025-26, Vainikka scored 11 goals and 40 points in 36 regular season games. She finished fourth in the SDHL in points, and her 29 assists led the league. Vainikka was even better in the playoffs. In 10 playoff games, Vainikka led all players in goals, with 7. She also tied for the league lead in points (13). Propelled by Vainikka’s offense, Brynäs brought home the SDHL championship.
Vainikka’s decorated SDHL and international career made her a top prospect for the 2026 PWHL Draft. The Minnesota Frost selected Vainikka in the second round, 21st overall. The Frost have a couple of open spots in their top-six heading into the 2026-27 season, and Vainikka should get a chance to prove she can provide offense immediately when the season begins. Vainikka’s early-season performances this month for MoDo Hockey are an indication that she will have a productive rookie season in the PWHL. In her first three games for MoDo, Vainikka has scored 5 goals and 7 points.
Even with all of her success in the SDHL, questions remain about Vainikka’s ability to produce offense in the PWHL. Detractors may point to her size, but Vainikka has all the tools necessary to adjust her game to the smaller ice sheet. Vainikka will age out of this list in December, but a strong rookie season in the PWHL would see her cement her status as one of the best young players in the world.
#14: Jenn Gardiner
By: Dylan Nazareth
Previous rank: 15
2026-27 team: Vancouver Goldeneyes
After a strong 2024-25 rookie campaign with the Montréal Victoire, Gardiner continued to grow her game with the Vancouver Goldeneyes this past season. Signing a one-year deal last summer, Gardiner impressed on the scoresheet, tallying 9 goals and 19 points.
Nearly half of those goals came on April 18 against the Seattle Torrent, when Gardiner recorded the first 4-goal game in PWHL history, including the overtime winner. The game showcased the best of what she can do — combining speed, skill in tight, a sharp shot, and the ability to rise to the occasion.
The forward from Surrey, British Columbia, also made her Olympic debut this year. Her limited role was a point of criticism for Team Canada brass. Gardiner played in a fourth-line role at the Games despite tallying 6 goals and 10 points at the 2025 Women’s World Championship (WWC), a tournament at which she played on the top line alongside Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey.
At the Olympics, Gardiner finished with 1 goal in seven games as Canada settled for silver. With Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie and general manager Danièle Sauvageau now in charge of Team Canada for November’s WWC, Gardiner has a solid shot at earning more minutes once again. As the team looks to retool with fresh blood after a disappointing Olympics, her varied offensive skill set will be a huge asset.
There’s no doubt the Goldeneyes experienced some growing pains in their inaugural season, but Gardiner was one of the team’s bright spots. With the addition of defender KK Harvey this offseason, Gardiner will have even more offensive firepower to work with. Gardiner just turned 25 this month, so this is the last time you’ll see her on the Top 25 Under 25. No longer a fresh-faced youngster in this league, she has the opportunity in Vancouver to take her game to new heights and lead this team to better results. Expectations will be high, but she’s shown she can meet the moment.
