The Edmonton Oilers have invited three women—Abbey Murphy, Chloe Primerano, and Caitlin Kraemer—to join their 27-person development camp roster this summer. These athletes will train alongside other prospects, including draft picks and free-agent signings, during the three-day session held at Rogers Place.
Why are female prospects attending an NHL development camp?
The inclusion of Murphy, Primerano, and Kraemer reflects a broader shift in how NHL organizations approach prospect evaluation. By inviting top-tier talent from the NCAA, the Oilers are providing these players with professional-grade development environments. Abbey Murphy, 24, brings significant experience to the camp; she is an Olympic gold medalist who was selected second overall by the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent in this year’s draft. Last season, Murphy recorded 40 goals and 66 points in 31 games for the University of Minnesota. Similarly, Chloe Primerano and Caitlin Kraemer join the camp after standout collegiate seasons. Primerano, 19, tallied 30 points in 34 games, while Kraemer, playing for the University of Minnesota-Duluth, notched 30 points in 36 games.
Abbey Murphy’s addition to the camp roster follows a stellar international career, including her role on the American women’s Olympic hockey team.
Who else is attending the Oilers development camp?
The 27-person roster is composed of a mix of recent draft picks, undrafted invitees, and signed free agents. Notable attendees include forward Weston Cameron, who spent last season with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, and goaltender Johnny Hicks. Hicks, 20, arrives with a high-performance pedigree from the University of Denver, where he posted a 16-0-1 record with a .957 save percentage and a 1.19 goals-against average. Other prospects attending the camp include:
- Forwards: Connor Clattenburg, Tommy Lafreniere, David Lewandowski, William Nicholl, Aidan Park, Daylyn Wakely, Owen Michaels, and Brady Stonehouse.
- Defencemen: Beau Akey, Asher Barnett, Bauer Berry, Damien Carfagna, and Tomas Cibulka.
- Goaltenders: Nathaniel Day, Daniel Salonen, and Connor Ungar.
How does the camp structure impact prospect development?
The development camp, running from June 30 to July 2 at Rogers Place, serves as an introductory bridge to professional hockey. For players like Weston Cameron—who remained draft-eligible this year despite a 16-point season—the camp offers a platform to showcase skills in front of NHL coaching staff and scouts. This environment is crucial for prospects committed to long-term NCAA paths, such as Cameron’s commitment to the University of Massachusetts for the 2026-27 season. By bringing together a diverse group of athletes, the Oilers ensure that both signed free agents and invited prospects receive consistent feedback on their skating, conditioning, and tactical awareness.
When evaluating development camp rosters, look for the balance between signed prospects and invited talent. Teams often use these camps to build relationships with players who may become future free-agent targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Oilers development camp taking place?
The camp is scheduled to run from June 30 to July 2 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Are the female invitees the only players attending?
No, the camp features 27 players in total, including 14 forwards, eight defencemen, and five goaltenders, consisting of drafted prospects, free agents, and invitees.
Is Abbey Murphy currently playing in the PWHL?
Murphy was drafted second overall by the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent in this year’s draft.
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