Whereas there have been robust performances from Matt Savoie, Raphael Lavoie, and Cam Dineen, it was Noah Philp made a powerful and stunning impression within the Edmonton Oilers’ first preseason sport, a 3-2 OT win over the Winnipeg Jets.
The 26-year-old right-shot middle, who stepped away from hockey for over a yr, delivered a standout efficiency that has many questioning if he might see NHL motion this season. Philp dominated within the face-off circle, going 9-3, and improved his skating, whereas taking part in with extra explosiveness and pace.
“What we wish from Philp is what he offered right this moment,” mentioned head coach Kris Knoblauch. He added {that a} right-handed centreman who can win face-offs is a gap they’d prefer to fill. “We’ve bought numerous left-shot guys all through our lineup who can win key face-offs and Derek Ryan was an enormous a part of that (attracts) as our right-shot middle however we want extra depth there,” the coach added.
When you think about the trail Philp has taken to get again into the sport for the Oilers, his sport was much more spectacular. He drew a penalty that led to a objective from teammate Raphael Lavoie and got here near scoring himself. “I’ve a variety of respect for him not taking part in a sport for 16, 17 months, and to come back into an NHL exhibition sport and play in addition to he did right this moment, that’s a superb first step,” mentioned Knoblauch.
Might Philp Get Some NHL Motion This Season for the Oilers?
Having performed for the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors within the 2022-23 season, the place he tallied 19 objectives, Philp might make issues fascinating for Edmonton this yr. He’s unlikely to crack the opening roster, given the Oilers’ depth at ahead, however his measurement (6’3”, 200 kilos), two-way play, and particular groups make him the form of participant who might get a callup if he continues his robust play within the minors.
This can be a participant that few doubtless anticipated a lot from, and whereas it’s just one sport, followers won’t need to fall asleep on the not-so-young prospect.
Subsequent: 3 Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 6-5 Loss to the Senators