Did the Seattle Torrent Win the PWHL Draft?

After a rough inaugural season, the Seattle Torrent may have won the draft. Sitting second overall in the draft order, the Torrent were able to secure top talent from the NCAA, U Sports, and Euros. 

Abbey Murphy Drafted 2nd Overall

Abbey Murphy (F)

With their first pick in the 2026 Draft the Torrent selected Abbey Murphy from the University of Minnesota. Murphy has been a force in the NCAA since her freshman year finishing her career with the Golden Gophers as the all-time scoring leader recording 143 career goals in 171 games. This season Murphy led the country with the most points per game, averaging over 2 points a game. 

Beyond the NCAA Murphy has made a name for herself on the global stage, helping to push the USA to Gold at the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, with 2 goals and 7 assists throughout the tournament. She was also the top player in the 2025 Rivalry Series, which saw the USA complete the first-ever full series sweep. During the series Murphy recorded 5 goals and 3 assists, including a hat-trick in the opening game in Cleveland. 

Sydney Morrow Drafted 14th Overall

Sydney Morrow (D)

Joining Murphy from the Minnesota Golden Gophers was defender Sydney Morrow. This season Morrow finished top 5 for scoring defenders in the NCAA with 38 points, making an impact on both ends of the ice. She brings a tough and physical presence to an already dynamic d-line with Anna Wilgren and Aneta Tejralova. 

Emerson Jarvis (F)

Joining the action up front is forward Emerson Jarvis from Quinnipiac. This season Jarvis recorded 17 goals and 21 assists, including 4 game-winners. Known for her speed, she quickly became a standout for the Bobcats, leading the team in scoring. 

Grace Elliott, playing for the UBC Thunderbirds at the U Sports Championship/ Rebecca Labaj

Grace Elliott (F)

Grace Elliott has continued to be a force in U Sports hockey throughout her university 

this season, leading the Canada West conference with 24 goals and 37 points. The White Rocks native finished her university career with 88 goals and 67 assists.

She also set a conference record with 25 game-winning goals. This season alone, Elliott had 12 game winners, taking Hayley Wickenheiser's Canada West record, which she's held at 7 since setting the record in the 2011-12 season. But that wasn't the only record she set, setting the Thunderbirds program record for career goals (88), points (155), plus/minus, and shots on goal (569). 

Gracie Gilkyson (D)

Joining the blue line was Yale defender Gracie Gilkyson, who has been a two-way threat for the Bulldogs throughout her university career. This season Gilkyson recorded 9 goals and 18 assists up front, with 59 blocked shots on the backend. 

Gabriella Durante (G) 

And finally the Torrent rounded out their draft with goaltender Gabriella Durante from Real Torino in the Euro League. Prior to joining the Real Torino, Durante played for U Sports Calgary Dinos where she ended her career with a 0.918 save percentage. This season with Real Torino she finished with a 0.947 save percentage in four games played. Beyond that she joined the Olympic hosts, Italy this year at the Milano-Cortina Games, where they made history with their first-ever win and first playoff round appearance. In four Olympic Games, Durante recorded a 0.908 save percentage.

Christine Bumstead and Meghan Turner seem to have a clear direction for the Torrent and there may be a storm warning rolling in as Seattle looks to make a deep run this season. They have the talent, but will it come together on the ice? We’ll have to wait til next season to find out.