SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle Torrent today announced that forward Abbey Murphy has been signed to a two-year Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Standard Player Agreement through the 2027-28 season. Selected second overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft, Murphy was the first of six players chosen by the Seattle Torrent in the six-round process on June 17 and is the first member of the team’s draft class to sign ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
“Abbey will make an immediate impact in this league with her grit, creativity, and attack mentality,” said Meghan Turner, Torrent General Manager. “This two-year contract gives us the ability to develop with her as she establishes her identity at this level and as we build for future seasons. This is something we’ve been looking forward to in our preparation for the year, and we’re ready to get her on the ice in November.”
Murphy completed a five-year collegiate career as one of the most accomplished players in University of Minnesota program history. She amassed 261 points (143G, 118A) in 171 games, finishing as Minnesota’s all-time leader in goals scored and ranking second all-time in points. A two-time captain, the 24-year-old from Evergreen Park, IL, put together her finest season as a graduate student in 2025-26, finishing with career highs in goals (40) and points (66) across 31 appearances while leading the nation in points per game (2.13) and goals per game (1.29). She was named a top three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award and garnered First Team All-American and WCHA Forward of the Year honors among her accolades.
On the international stage, Murphy has represented the United States at each of the last two Olympic Winter Games, earning a gold medal at Milano Cortina 2026 and a silver medal at Beijing 2022. She has also taken home four medals (two gold, two silver) in IIHF Women’s World Championship competition.
“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to officially start this journey in Seattle,” said Murphy. “Getting to spend time in the city this summer, meet our fans and get a feel for the community made me even more excited to call Seattle home. I can’t wait to take the ice at Climate Pledge Arena with this group and play in front of the loudest and best fans in the league. I’m ready to get to work. Let’s go, Torrent!”
With the signing, the Torrent now have 17 players under contract for the upcoming season counting Murphy and fellow forwards Alex Carpenter, Julia Gosling, Danielle Serdachny, Lexie Adzija, Mikyla Grant-Mentis, Gabrielle David, Theresa Schafzahl, Lily Delianedis and Emma Nuutinen. The roster also includes signed defenders Emily Brown, Lyndie Lobdell, Noemi Neubauerová, Aneta Tejralová and Anna Wilgren, along with goaltenders Hannah Murphy and CJ Jackson.
A complete list of player signings and transactions is available on the official PWHL Transactions Page. To see the full overview of the status of PWHL player contracts, visit the PWHL Contract Guide here.
ABOUT SEATTLE TORRENT Seattle Torrent is one of 12 teams in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and was announced in April 2025 as one of the league’s first two expansion clubs. The PWHL was founded in 2023 and began its inaugural season in January 2024, featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. Since launch, the league has broken multiple attendance records, including setting the global record for attendance at a women’s hockey game. For the latest news and information on the Seattle Torrent, visit thepwhl.com/Seattle or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and X. Follow the PWHL on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.