Huge opportunity ahead for Noah Philp

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Finnegan Frost
October 2, 2024 (9:16)

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Noah Philp has arguably been the biggest surprise for Oilers enthusiasts so far - and with opening night right around the corner, he could crack the opening night roster.

According to Oilers Insider Jason Gregor, Noah Philp is on the verge of making his NHL debut. Philp has been very good in training camp and the preseason. The Oilers placed four more players on waivers yesterday - Collin Delia, Ben Gleason, Phil Kemp and Lane Pederson and loaned James Hamblin to Bakersfield - and Philp remains one of 15 forwards still in camp.

From my seat he is on the brink of earning a spot on the roster. Unless he looks out of place in Seattle or Vancouver, I don't see why the Oilers would send him to Bakersfield.

The Oilers have two preseason games left against the Seattle Kraken and the Vancouver Canucks, and fans can anticipate Philp dressing for both occasions. If Philp manages to keep his production going while staying noticeable, the young prospect has made a strong case to make the team.

Philp has won 59% of his faceoffs. At 5�5, only Connor McDavid has produced more points this preseason. He's used his 6'3″, 205 pound frame very effectively. He skates well, he has a good shot, he plays physical, has shown good defensive awareness and he can penalty kill. He's done everything the Oilers could have asked for, and when they announce their final roster next Monday afternoon, Philp could be on it.

Philp has emerged as one of the feel good stories for the Oilers. After taking an indefinite hiatus from hockey last year, it was unclear if Philp would ever return to the game of hockey. After taking some time to gain some to gain life and travel experience, Philp has come back to pro hockey with a vengeance.

According to Gregor, Lavoie and Philp remain the top candidates to make the team, but Philp has made a stronger impression on coaches so far.