The news that the Edmonton Oilers made National Hockey League history with their invites of three rising female hockey stars to their upcoming development camp. Forwards Abbey Murphy and Caitlin Kraemer, as well as defender Chloe Primerano will be present when camp begins. Alongside picks like Rudolfs Berzkalns, these women, two forwards and a left-shooting D, will have an opportunity to impress Oilers management and coaches. While true for all three, the calibre of play in Abbey Murphy's young career indicates that she just might have the chops to play in the NHL.
Recently the second overall pick in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), Murphy was an offensive standout throughout her time at the University of Minnesota, reaching a high mark of 40 goals in her final season playing for the Golden Gophers. She is also quite experienced in international play in spite of he rage. The gold medal performance at the 2026 Olympics was her second appearance, and she managed a point-per-game pace in that best on best tournament.
Steady improvement
Murphy has continually shown growth as a player. At her first Olympics, she only managed a single point, though surely in a more limited role. Likewise, at Minnesota, her statistics climbed steadily, as did her maturity, if the decline in her penalty minutes is any indication. Seasoned and successful in spite of only turning 24 this April, she has a bright future in whatever professional league she plays in.
At 5'5", the biggest challenge for Murphy versus NHLers will be the physical element of the game. Players before her, like Hailey Wickenheiser, Marie Philippe Poulin, or Hillary Knight certainly had the skills and dedication to play in the NHL, but the roles available might have been as depth or role players, rather than the offensive stars they are and were in the female-only leagues. Still, Murphy and the other two invites just might be the most talented players at the development camp. It's a great opportunity for them, a positive story for the Oilers, and a showcase for the PWHL as well.
Given the rocky offseason the Oilers have had in terms of their coaching firings and hirings, it's nice to see a positive story hit the headlines. If one little girl in Edmonton comes to watch the development camp and is inspired to lace up a pair of skates, then the exercise has been worthwhile.
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