2025-26 PWHL Season Preview: Sophomore PWHL Players to Watch this Season

Following a strong showing as a rookie class last season, there are plenty of sophomore players in this PWHL season to watch who will be expected to produce great things, including some with new teams.

Sarah Fillier

Forward, New York Sirens
25 years old

Last season: 13-16--29 in 30 games played (NY)
Drafted: 2024/1/1 (NY)

There's always going to be extra pressure on a first-overall draft pick, but it's safe to say that Sarah Fillier was more than up for the challenge. She had a stellar rookie season, finishing the season tied for the league lead in points alongside Hilary Knight, and was named the PWHL's rookie of the year.

Now, the question is: how you top that?

Earlier this week, Fillier was named an alternate captain of the Sirens alongside defender Jaime Bourbonnais. The duo completes the team's leadership trio alongside captain Micah Zandee-Hart. MZH said the two "have already been instrumental leaders for this organization" and noted their previous leadership experience, too.

Fillier signed a two-year extension with the Sirens over the offseason. She had a third-period hat trick in New York's 6-2 preseason win over Minnesota.

Jenn Gardiner

Forward, Vancouver Goldeneyes
24 years old

Last season: 5-13– 18 in 30 games played (MTL)
Drafted: 2024/2/5 (MTL)

After a solid rookie showing that left her third in scoring on the Victoire behind only Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey, it was no surprise that Jenn Gardiner was named a finalist for rookie of the year.

Unfortunately for the Victoire, they lost Gardiner over the summer to free agency, but it wasn't a huge surprise. Instead, it was a homecoming. Gardiner played for the Greate Vancouver Comets for three seasons before her collegiate days at (the) Ohio State. Montreal's loss is Vancouver's gain, and having the British Columbia native on the roster is sure to give both the player and the team a nice boost.

Goldeneyes GM Cara Gardner Morey had great things to say about Gardiner upon signing her, per the team's media release at the time:

“She is a player with experience building chemistry alongside some of the top players in the league and has been on an upward trajectory throughout her career. I can’t wait to see her thrive in front of her hometown fans.”

Cayla Barnes

Defender, Seattle Torrent
26 years old

Last season: 2-11--13 in 30 games played (MTL)
Drafted: 2024/1/5 (MTL)

Like the aforementioned Gardiner, Barnes is another one of those "Montreal's loss, new team's win" players. In this case, the Victoire left Barnes unprotected in the expansion draft, and it was no surprise that Seattle picked her up.

She went on to sign a three-year contract over the summer, becoming the third player to join the expansion franchise. Torrent GM Meghan Turner called Barnes a "dynamic defender who moves the puck well and consistently contributes offensively," noting her poise and presence.

Barnes was on the Torrent's top defense pairing in their first preseason game, playing alongside Aneta Tejralová. She's likely to consistently be in the Torrent's top four this season.

Gwyneth Philips

Goaltender, Ottawa Charge
25 years old

Last season: 8-5-1, 2.11 GAA, .919 sv% in 15 games (OTT)
Drafted: 2024/3/2 (OTT)

Gwyneth Philips was an absolute rockstar last season for the Charge. She split playing time during the regular season with Emerance Maschmeyer, finishing with just shy of 800 minutes played. Her 2.11 GAA was third-best in the league, while her .919 save percentage tied with Corinne Schroeder for third-best there, too.

But it was the playoffs where she really got the chance to shine. When Maschmeyer suffered a season-ending injury, Philips got her turn and she capitalized on the opportunity. She led all PWHL goaltenders in the playoffs across the board, in minutes played (635:25), save poercentage (.952) and GAA (1.23). She was honored with the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award, deservedly so, and was a finalist for both rookie and goaltender of the year.

The goaltending situation in Ottawa's changed quite a bit since. With Emerance Maschmeyer signing in Vancouver, Philips is now the veteran in net for the Charge - but it's a position she's certainly earned. She'll get the chance to help mentor rookie Sanni Ahola in the season ahead.

What other sophomore players are you looking forward to watching this season?

Editor's note: a previous version of this story mentioned Logan Angers on Ottawa, but was removed after the cuts were announced.