Leon Draisaitl shares powerful praise for promising Oilers prospect

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Finnegan Frost
November 2, 2024 (3:48 PM)

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After Connor McDavid sustained a devastating ankle injury against the Columbus Blue Jackets, head coach Kris Knoblauched has urged his depth players to step up, a gamble that has seemed to pay off.

After McDavid's injury was made official by the team, the Oilers made the strategic decision to call up Noah Philp and Drake Caggiula from their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. Noah Philp made his highly anticipated NHL debut against the Nashville Predators last Thursday - and what a performance by the young stud! At just 9:54 in the 1st period, Noah Philp teamed up with Drake Caggiula on Corey Perry's goal, notching his first ever NHL point.

The Oilers eventually went on to beat the Nashville Predators 5-1 in a decisive victory. After the game, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl was asked about the promising Oilers prospect, and he didn't hold back on his thoughts.

«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. 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.»
- Leon Draisaitl

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Philp has an incredible story of perseverance and hard work to reach the NHL as an undrafted 26 year old, but he also as done so after taking all of last season away from hockey. Coming out of the one-year retirement, Philp turned heads in training camp and deserved to make the team. After making his NHL debut, Draisaitl believes Philp is here to stay, and is also blown away by his story to make the league.

With Connor McDavid out for the next 2-3 weeks, the opportunity for Noah Philp to cement himself as a full-timer on the team has now come to fruition. If he manages to keep his composure while simultaneously contributing up and down the lineup, a future in the NHL is now within his grasp.

Do you think Kris Knoblauch should keep Philp on the roster? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Oilers Insider for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite players and teams.