Back in April of 2022, the Oilers inked a forward playing for the University of Alberta to a one-year, entry-level contract.
Though he had only played in eight games in 2021-22, Noah Philp caught the attention of scouts with eight goals and 11 points for the Golden Bears. He joined the Bakersfield Condors for the playoffs that spring and impressed with 19 goals and 37 points over 70 games in his first full professional season in 2022-23.
Given that strong rookie season, it was expected that Philp would be re-signed to a new contract and that he would be in the mix for an NHL gig at training camp in the fall. Instead, Philp surprisingly announced his retirement from hockey in June, stating: “I’m at a time in my life where I want to focus on things outside the realm of hockey.”
After taking off the 2023-24 season, Philp informed the Oilers that he was ready to return to professional hockey and the two sides agreed to a one-year contract on July 1. He spoke at training camp in the fall about his decision to miss the previous season and said the experience was positive.
“The best I can answer is that I felt like I needed to step away. It was a decision just for me and it was just a gut feeling,” Philp said back in Sseptember. “I followed that and I’m very happy I did. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Philp didn’t crack Edmonton’s season-opening roster despite a strong showing in the pre-season, but the big pivot was on the first plane from Bakersfield when the Oilers needed reinforcements.
When Connor McDavid landed on the Injured Reserve earlier this week, Edmonton recalled Philp and linemate Drake Caggiula from the Condors. Philp made his NHL debut on Thursday against the Nashville Predators and had Caggiula on one wing and 20-year veteran and Stanley Cup champion Corey Perry on the other.
“I thought it was great. I’ve been playing with Drake in Bakersfield and he’s so much fun,” Philp said after the game. “He talks really well, he just does a lot of things well, and he’s a pleasure to play with. And then Corey, he’s been around forever, and I’m just honoured to be out there with him.”
The Oilers cruised to a 5-1 win over Nashville in Philp’s debut and the rookie got on the scoresheet in his first game. With the score tied 1-1 in the first period, Philp made a pass from behind the net to Caggiula. He one-timed a shot and Corey Perry buried the rebound.
Philp logged 11:40 in his debut and picked up one assist on the Perry goal. He went 10-for-14 on faceoffs and the Oilers beat the Predators 13-to-8 in shot attempts when he was on the ice.
After the game, Leon Draisaitl was asked about Philp’s play and said that he was impressed by the former Golden Bear.
“I mean, what can you say? That’s pretty special,” Draisaitl said. “He’s been through a lot. To play in the NHL a couple of months after having been off for a full year? That seems nearly impossible.
“He’s just inching closer and closer to making a career out of this.” Draisaitl continued. “I’m very impressed with the way he handles himself and the way he plays the game. I think he’s got a bright future ahead.”