2024 Top 25 Under 25: Laila Edwards (10)

Ladies, gays, and theys… Laila Edwards has arrived.

The 6’1” forward brought not only size, but skill and confidence to the Team USA lineup in her first-ever World Championships back in April. There on home ice in Utica, N.Y., she scored six goals (on 10 shots!) and eight points total in seven games played, becoming the youngest-ever American to be named tournament MVP. All of that earned her the USA Hockey Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year award in May. Not too shabby for a 20-year-old whose first-ever experience with the senior team was just a couple of months prior during the Rivalry Series. 

Then again, Edwards has a winning pedigree already in her young career. In two seasons with the University of Wisconsin, she has tallied 83 points in 82 games, won a National Championship, and made herself a part of the highly skilled young core of players taking the mantle from those who have since graduated. She also has a record with the U18 national squad, earning a silver medal and MVP honors back in 2022. With all of that already accomplished, it's little wonder Edwards is making such a splash already before she's even hit 21 years old. 

Simply put, this youngster has a bright, bright future. She showed off a deadly shot, good playmaking skills, and a humility and work ethic that just make you want to root so hard for her. Being the first anything in hockey means having to gain comfort in the spotlight, something she has said she will need to work on – but make no mistake: her talent will absolutely speak for itself.

Too High/Too Low?

If you're looking only at Edwards’ college stats, you might think she’s a bit high up. After all, she's one forward in a stacked Badgers lineup. But keep in mind that while she was in the top five of scoring at Wisconsin this past season, her numbers would easily be team-leading on another roster. Plus, take a look at her international impact so far, and this placement makes a hell of a lot of sense. I am so excited to see where Laila Edwards goes from here, and what she'll end up doing once she hits the pros.