PWHL Mock Draft - Round 1 and 2 - Who Goes First Overall?

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The PWHL 2024 Draft is taking place in St. Paul, MN on June 10. Predicting who will go where is a very inexact science, but taking into account what I know about the teams and their philosophies, I drafted the first two rounds. Will Danielle Serdachny surprise and go first overall? Where will Claire Thompson and Amanda Kessel be taken?
This mock draft is guaranteed!! - to provide mistakes and aggravation for you to take exception with. Hope you enjoy it!
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[@SparrowBirdington]

Apparently Minnesota made it their mission to throw a wrench into your predictions!

[@ethandawson8660]

This is a solid draft prediction. Changed my mind with a few of these ideas

[@gamedayhockey]

Well some I got so so wrong too lol

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

MAN going to be excited to see Poulin and Kessel on the same team. Are you kidding me?

[@dennisheyes4561]

I saw an article on Hockey News "Grading the draft" that said that Kessel in the running for Minnesota's next GM. Which is why she fell to the second last pick of the draft. If she does choose to take to the ice. She would definitely be the biggest steal of the draft.

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

@@dennisheyes4561 Saw that too would make sense why nobody was touching her in the draft. Maybe Montreal was taking a chance seeing how their a dumpster fire in Minny.

[@jesshurley2284]

This video is excellent. Like you said, no one can really say for sure, but I like your reasoning.

[@gamedayhockey]

I appreciate that!

[@guillaumelevasseur277]

you went D then foward for Montreal..... just sayin'!

[@guillaumelevasseur277]

let's do that thing all fans do here. O'Neill-Poulin-Stacey Kessel-Murphy-Boreen Gardiner-Ljungblom-Greig Dalton-Bujold-Marchment Tabin-Ambrose Kjellbin-Barnes Wilgren-Boulier Desbiens Chuli of course free angency will change things a bit..... edit : for defense draft picks and Marchment who is signed.

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

Also VERY excited Ottawa was able to pick up Savolainen. She's going to be just fantastic, she was made to play in the Pdub.

[@gamedayhockey]

I have been talking to her a lot, yes, she is very excited about that. And she has been so so nice and happy to chat about the experience etc. I told her 88 should be available , and that it takes a certain kind of player to wear that number, you know? She is honestly one of my favorites and going to fit in perfectly, she can score too.

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

@@gamedayhockey I saw Spooner play last year and she looks big on the ice.. Number 88 will rather imposing in red.

[@leecox6241]

Hope she makes up for losing an Ova!

[@gamedayhockey]

which Ova?

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

@leecox6241 I don't understand

[@Too-Odd]

The PWHL sabotaged the draft for Minnesota, maybe not with malice, but the results are the same. Not having a GM was a major disadvantage, and Minnesota made major mistakes because of it. Selecting F Klára Hymlárová in the 3rd round instead of Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award F Izzy Daniel was a big mistake. No one before or during the draft would believe that Hymlárová is a better prospect than Daniel. This was a reach to be sure, and Minnesota fans cannot understand it. Hymlárová was likely a 4th or 5th round prospect, so why did Minnesota select her so early? On top of that, Minnesota selected Brooke McQuigge in the 4th round. She wasn't expected to go until the very late rounds or not even at all. Why was she chosen in the 4th round with so many higher rated prospects on the board? Even if she was a sleeper, Minnesota could have added her in the 7th or called her right after the draft to add her as a free agent in camp. If Minnesota had taken Izzy Daniel in the 3rd, as they should have, they could have selected Hymlárová in the 4th and left McQuigge until the 7th. They basically traded a consensus second round prospect in Daniel for a consensus undrafted free agent player in McQuigge. Now Daniel is in regular season best offensive juggernaut Toronto. Minnesota fans are left wondering if Minnesota was told not to take Minnesota players by the league or by select players on the team that sided with coach Ken Klee in his dispute with former Minnesota GM Darwitz. Is that why GM Darwitz was fired so close to the draft? Was it because she wouldn't play ball? Ken Klee wanted to be the Minnesota GM last season, as well as head coach, and he shown tonight that he could not cut it as the GM. Making huge mistakes in the mid rounds in such a small league can be devastating, as one team's loss is another team's gain, and the teams are already very close. If it wasn't for the loss of likely league MVP Spooner in the playoffs for Toronto, Minnesota likely would have been bounced in the first round after limping into the playoffs. It could be argued that Minnesota had a mediocre to poor draft, and that could drop Minnesota out of the playoffs this upcoming season. Wouldn't that be nice for PWHL front office.

[@gamedayhockey]

I’m wondering why you think the league would “sabotage” any team? I don’t see it. I think Minnesota was underprepared with all of the controversy and just chose poorly. I also think the division in the locker room might have affected who they bring back, the Boreen situation is just plain weird. I think unfortunately it’s their own doing (or undoing). If they can’t re-sign Cava, yikes.

[@leecox6241]

No Klee sabotaged himself, proving he was never GM material. Surprised he still has not been let go.

[@Too-Odd]

@@gamedayhockey Changing the GM days before the draft was sabotage in its own right. You give evidence of the effects. Whether the league or players were pushing Minnesota not to select so many Minnesota players is a question. In any case, that was the outcome. Both Abi and Izzy are from Minnesota, and both would have been a logical pick in the third round. Neither was selected. If they can't resign Cava, their already poor offense will suffer even more. Cava and Boreen provided a lot of punch in the offensive zone.

[@gamedayhockey]

@@Too-Odd Why would the league not want them to draft Minnesota players? Not sure I understand

[@Too-Odd]

@@gamedayhockey The PWHL (Mark Walter Group) owns all of the teams. They do not want them to become regionalized like the PHF became in some markets. They do not want Canadian teams to just have Canadians and United States teams to just have USA players. For Minnesota to be loaded with Minnesota players went against that. It is likely that some players had the same thoughts - especially players from outside of Minnesota. We can only speculate if this is so, but Minnesota looked to go out of its way, to its own detriment, to not draft Minnesota players in this draft.

[@toddrowe9670]

Agree with Kessel #4

[@markd8469]

She may be low risk high reward pick with Family ties. I think it’s a no brainer she goes 4th

[@toddrowe9670]

@@markd8469 Woah - we missed that by a mile

[@richardlaub889]

I love Abby Boreen but she is not a top 10 pick. Going #9 to Minnesota may sound good but there are so many other great players available for that pick. I was with you until that pick. I think Minnesota selects Jennifer Gardiner with that pick and wait until the third round for Boreen.

[@gamedayhockey]

I had to think about it, but they really can't afford to miss out on her. And if they can get Bilka, then a good defender in third round, it works out. Boreen had 5 points in 9 games, that's about the same level as Tapani/Cava, more than Rattray, Gabbie Hughes, Bourbonnais, etc. and she adds a presence they really need. I can't argue it more than that though, but imagine if someone else takes Boreen, yikes.

[@gamedayhockey]

This also might be a sign of the different factions among the players? Wonder if Boreen is in the group that is disappointed with Darwitz's departure.

[@richardlaub889]

@@gamedayhockey It seems that those who played for him are one camp (Coyne, Pannek, and Stecklein, the original three picks) against all the rest. Those three are the oldest and hold the most sway with hockey matters. It seems she was not fired for doing anything wrong but was overwhelmed by her duties according to the league. The PR people sent from California also acted as evaluators for each team front offices and informed California and the league offices of issues. I can tell you people here are not happy with this decision I've seen many posts that say, "No more games for me" and blaming Klee and Coyne exclusively...Probably because they are both outsiders. We all liked the idea of PWHL but this has left a bad taste in fans mouths. Big time anger, disappointment, and WTF just happened. Imagine the State of Minnesota is like Canada and hockey is life and the air you breath. Now some outsider comes in and fires your hockey hero and has no explanation why. That is how we all feel right now. Oh well, the draft is tomorrow...fresh faces and new attitudes will prevail I hope.

[@gamedayhockey]

@@richardlaub889 Thank you for that insight. It sounds about as close as anything I've heard speculated until now. I hope it doesn't spoil the fan reaction, but I think I would feel really disappointed as well. Some fence-mending needs to happen for sure.

[@JustinCaesar]

that is exactly what I was thinking too they already have a bunch of former ohio state players too it would make sense. I hope they do draft gardiner because she played with my cousin at ohio state and i can see boreen dropping to the 3rd round. also with the speed we already have bilka and gardiner would make this team so much more lethal they already have pretty much everything they would need and their team is young

[@jeanlanglois7892]

I'm sure Amanda Kessel will be picked, but I don't see her going first round. I would think Boston takes Barnes, because except for Keller, they don't have a lot of defenders that have high offensive skill. I agree with Minnesota taking Boreen a round early (2nd) because of the strong connection even though she should go later. Toronto #12, I would think they take a defender because the upcoming season will be 30+ games, and playing Larocque/Fast 25+ mins is not sustainable. And I personally think Serdachny will go first because of the coach hire in NY, but will not be at all surprised if I'm wrong

[@gamedayhockey]

That's the great thing, once somebody goes somewhere unexpected, the dominoes start to fall. I do think Barnes deserves to go higher, I just sort of felt like Boston might do this to make sure they get Kessel who I think they really want. And I think Toronto picks a defender in the next round. I like Gardiner a lot though.

[@markd8469]

Coach Kessel will draft player Kessel first round. Guaranteed ! unless she wants a divorce. Bet the farm on it !

[@gamedayhockey]

@@markd8469 Well, we lost the farm. But I believe other reasons were behind the fact that she dropped almost out of the draft.

[@markd8469]

Wow! That was unexpected! The USA teams avoided her like the plague. Does she even plan on playing or does she have other plans. Sure Looks that way! Why even throw your hat in the ring if you don’t plan on playing! Could she not have signed as a free agent with anyone she wanted to? Now does Montreal own her rights?

[@gamedayhockey]

@@markd8469 Yea, it was one of many odd moments during the draft, like when Montreal took Abby Boreen after Minnesota could’ve taken her in the third round. For Kessel, there’s a rumor she is in the mix to be the new GM of Minnesota? I honestly don’t know, but yes, MTL has her rights , it was worth a gamble since other decent players are still available now as free agents. GM Sauvageau said, there is still a lot of work to be done to fill player spots.

[@carlosf2677]

as a Minnesota fan I approve I want Hannah Bilka adding her to this team would just be so much fun to watch and if they resign Michela Cava and take Abby Boreen watch out!

[@JustinCaesar]

Adding bilka with the speed and talent we already have would be lethal to be honest i am hoping that we draft gardiner in the 2nd which may be a little biased because she played with my cousin but I think we can get boreen in the 3rd

[@leecox6241]

You have Ottawa down pat. But if for some reason NY passes on Fillier, then I know nothing! 😅 Like your display!

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

I've read a few places say Ottawa will take Thompson. Personally I like Serdachny. Need a confident voice in the locker room.

[@jeanlanglois7892]

@@michaelnextdoor8726 In interviews the Ottawa GM says he builds for the long-term future, and my personal opinion, after 2/3 years, Thompson will go back to her medical career so this is certainly something to think about. Fillier or Serdachny for first pick will be perfect, how many games did they lose by one goal because of lack of finish in the o-zone....

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

@@jeanlanglois7892 I hope so. Maybe been reading too much Ian Kennedy.

[@markd8469]

NY won’t pass of Fillier! What are you smoking?

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

Great video.. and not easy because then you have to defend it against of all us nit-picking.. thanks so much fun!

[@gamedayhockey]

It’s great, I love talking hockey, I know I’m probably more wrong than right because drafts are so unpredictable, and with free gents available, that adds another wrinkle to it. Imagine if I get Kessel or Boreen correct, I’ll look like a genius lol. 🤡

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

@@gamedayhockey it's all good fun. You're a genius already with the idea of doing this channel & podcast.

[@gamedayhockey]

@@michaelnextdoor8726 I am!!??

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

@@gamedayhockey Not rocket science.. but great idea to do the channel. Sport needs people like you

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

I love these mock draft and I've been patiently waiting for this .. THANK YOU. Just to comment - best player available for Toronto?Caylay Barnes she's been like #3 consistently on hockey news etc.. Plus Toronto also needs defensive depth they play Fast too much. Good chance Spooner be back by november. I know Gosling the sentimental favorite anyway..

[@gamedayhockey]

I love Cayla, but I mean, Gosling is just the perfect player for them. I'll have Toronto's defender in part two which I'm frantically working on right now.

[@michaelnextdoor8726]

@@gamedayhockey The Athletic has Barnes as tier 1 and Gosling is tier 2.

[@gamedayhockey]

@@michaelnextdoor8726 Okay. I love Barnes, I just think Gosling has a lot of tools and I think Toronto likes her!

[@jeanlanglois7892]

@@michaelnextdoor8726 Probably without the Spooner uncertainty, she would have predicted differently. I personally like Gosling, big body that can make its way to the slot and get those garbage goals

[@gamedayhockey]

@@jeanlanglois7892 She's not only that, she has a great shot and a lot of hockey IQ.

[@JustinCaesar]

I love mock draft videos getting other peoples insights and opinions. as a more recent fan of minnesota with my cousin on the team I think that you will be spot on with bilka in the 1st round. for the 2nd round to be honest I hope minnesota takes gardiner because she has a couple old teammates from ohio on the team including my cousin. her and bilka would make minnesota so much more lethal having a very strong forward line pairing. I think that boreen drops to the 3rd round so they can pick her up there and then from there i see them stacking up on defense and depth forwards

[@gamedayhockey]

I guess we will have to fight over Gardiner then!!! IF Minnesota takes her, I hope Toronto can get a good defender in the second round.

[@gamedayhockey]

Welp. Montreal got Gardiner. Boston got Bilka. Minn took Claire Thompson which was a tiny surprise but not entirely. Boreen is going WHERE?

[@JustinCaesar]

@@gamedayhockey I have no idea what happened I thought at least bilka was for sure the pick but Thompson makes sense cause we needed defense bad. Gardiner was more of a bias pick for me cause she would play with my cousin again. I am so surprised we didn’t take boreen. But little theory I have is looking at Montreals draft class they might have been looking to take boreen for Minnesota to trade for her if they want her that bad knowing what she can produce. I won’t say anything about the 2nd pick because that is gonna be a slippery slope but Minnesota was the team that was willing to take that PR hit and it will be interesting on if they come out with something in the press about anything with that situation. I do think that she is going to be one of the top players for that team most likely switching between 2nd and 3rd line rotation

[@gamedayhockey]

@@JustinCaesar Who's your cousin again?

[@JustinCaesar]

Mae batherson and Katy Knoll have to be my favourite pickups after seeing the draft those girls are absolute steals for Minnesota