Oilers rookie Noah Philp has been the feel-good story of the season so far for the team, so much so that Philp's debut night had Draisaitl nearly at loss for words.
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.
"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
Hilariously, Draisaitl even gave a chuckle around the return of Drake Caggiula. After so many years, Caggiula himself has worked hard to earn himself another opportunity in the NHL, and Draisaitl noted it's been his third different number in Edmonton.
Philp had an impressive debut and played well as the team's fourth line center, even nabbing his first assist and point on Corey Perry's goal. After the game, Philp was awarded the team's player of the game award, and his teammates and coach had rave reviews of his game. Knoblauch seems to have a lot of faith in Philp as a reliable bottom six player, so perhaps he is sticking around.
If Philp maintains this level of play and the Oilers feel he's the best fit for the fourth line, it may be possible that the team waives Derek Ryan when McDavid returns from injury. It's not likely that Ryan would be claimed, and he could threaten retirement if he is at all. With the emergence of of Philp, it looks like Ryan or Perry could play a Sam Gagner-type role of locker room leader later this year.
For now, Oilers fans are just appreciating the great story of an Alberta kid pushing towards his dream and achieving it.
