If Abbey Murphy declares for the 2025 PWHL Draft, she'll be the first overall selection in the class. The key word in that sentence however, is "if."
Due to the COVID-19 season and the 2022 Olympic year, Murphy is one of only a few prospects across the NCAA who have an extra seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining compared to their peers.
It means that Murphy could return for another season at the University of Minnesota, or she could join the bulk of her USA teammates in the professional ranks.
Following USA's 4-0 shutout win over Czechia, Murphy didn't have a clear answer when asked if she'd be declaring for the PWHL Draft.
“I haven’t made any decisions quite yet,” Murphy told The Hockey News. “I know it’s coming up close and we’ll make a decision quite soon, so we’ll see.”
"I don’t really know. There’s a few options, so we’ll see.”
Murphy scored two goals for USA in their win over Czechia.
Those options include returning to Minnesota, transferring to a new NCAA program, or declaring for the 2025 PWHL Draft. She's not alone in the decision as fellow Team USA forward Lacey Eden is in the same situation as Murphy.