Wisconsin Reloads After Five First-Round PWHL Picks Depart

Wisconsin enters the 2026-27 season as the two-time defending NCAA women's hockey champion, but five first-round picks from the 2026 PWHL Draft are no longer on its roster.

Caroline Harvey, Laila Edwards, Lacey Eden, Kirsten Simms and Vivian Jungels were selected in the opening round. Veteran forward Marianne Picard also retired after the season.

Coach Mark Johnson said the transition will require returning players to accept larger roles and freshmen to settle into a new environment. Wisconsin's incoming group includes Nela Lopusanova, Maddy Kimbrel, Haley Box and Rosalie Tremblay, while Kelly Gorbatenko, Ava McNaughton, Laney Potter and Maggie Scannell are among the returning leaders.

"We have some good pieces coming back starting from the net out," Johnson said. "I think, as people will see, I think some of our freshman can make an immediate impact on the ice."