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3w ago

PWHL Names Gosling, O’Brien and Winn as 2025–26 Rookie of the Year Finalists

The three rookies were singled out for distinct roles and measurable impact as the league moves through an offseason expansion protection process that could change rosters before next season.

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Montreal Victoire's Nicole Gosling (right) celebrates her game-winning goal with teammate Maggie Flaherty (91) during overtime PWHL hockey action against the Boston Fleet in Laval, Que., on Friday, April 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Overview

  • The PWHL announced the finalists on Tuesday and voting is still pending for the 2025–26 Rookie of the Year award.
  • Casey O’Brien was a high draft pick after winning the Patty Kazmaier Award, led all rookies with 22 points and became a primary scoring option for New York after a teammate’s season-ending injury.
  • Haley Winn logged the most average ice time of any skater, finished with 19 points, and is also a finalist for Defender of the Year for her two-way play.
  • Nicole Gosling played first-pair minutes for Montreal, posted 19 points with two game-winning goals and a +16 rating while helping the Victoire finish atop the regular-season standings and capture the league title.
  • The finalist announcement comes while the PWHL is conducting its expansion protection window and preparing for the entry draft, developments that could reshape team rosters before awards are finalized and the next season begins.