San Jose fans have a long-term name to follow as their roster takes shape: fourth overall pick Laila Edwards is signed through 2028-29. The Olympic gold medalist and three-time national champion at Wisconsin becomes the team’s 14th player under contract and its only player signed through that season.
A decorated arrival
Edwards, 22, from Cleveland Heights, OH, finished her four-season Wisconsin career with 199 points, including 81 goals and 118 assists, in 151 games.
Her most productive season came in 2024-25, when she led the nation with 35 goals and recorded 71 points in 41 games, finishing as a top-three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. In 2025-26, she posted 45 points, including 12 goals and 33 assists, in 28 games for the Badgers.
Internationally, Edwards won gold in her U.S. Olympic debut in Milan this past February. She also has one gold and one silver medal in IIHF Women’s World Championship competition. In 2024, she became the tournament’s youngest MVP at age 20.
In their words
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Laila to San Jose and are excited about what her commitment means for the future we are building here,”
Troy Ryan, PWHL San Jose General Manager and Head Coach
“I couldn’t have landed in a better place and organization than San Jose,” said Edwards. “I’m so excited to get to work and get going with this group.”
How the roster is taking shape
Beyond Edwards, San Jose has nine players signed to two-year deals: forwards Anne Cherkowski, Maggie Connors, Kristin O'Neill and Maddi Wheeler; defenders Rory Guilday, Hadley Hartmetz, Mariah Keopple and Daniela Pejšová; and goaltender Corinne Schroeder.
Forwards Brooke Bryant, Kristin Della Rovere and Natálie Mlýnková, along with goaltender Abbey Levy, are signed for one season.
Source: official PWHL release.
Source: thepwhl.com
