Oilers recall forward Noah Philp from the Bakersfield Condors

If you’re looking for a feel-good story, Noah Philp is that guy. The Oilers signed Noah Philp to a one-year, entry-level contract in April 2022 after his standout season with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, during which he scored 20 goals and 38 points in just 36 games. He carried that momentum into the pro ranks, putting together an impressive rookie campaign with the Bakersfield Condors in 2022-23, scoring 19 goals and 37 points over 70 games.

After that strong debut season, Philp decided to step away from hockey for personal reasons that kept off the ice for a year. Despite his absence for the entirety of the 2023-24 season, the Oilers still extended a qualifying offer to retain his rights. Then, in March, word broke that Philp was looking to resume his pro career. The Oilers and Philp then agreed on a one-year deal worth $775,000 in July.

Heading into training camp, Philp entered the mix as a candidate for the team’s fourth-line centre role, but none of us knew what we would get. While the Oilers ultimately opted to go with veteran Derek Ryan in that spot, Philp eventually worked his way into a three-game stint in November that resulted in collecting his first NHL point — an assist on a goal by Corey Perry. While he’s expected to play a bottom-six role, his ability to chip in offensively, as shown during the pre-season and more recently in Bakersfield, could make him a valuable depth piece for Edmonton this season.

A few days ago, Bruce Curlock wrote about Noah Philp’s season, and why he would be a recall candidate:

I’ve written here about how Noah Philp had an inconsistent first half to the season. I had speculated Philp might be suffering from physical or mental fatigue. This would make sense given he was away from the game for a year. Whatever the reason, Philp’s game seemed off as the Condors closed out the first half of the season.

However, since returning from the break, there has been a quite noticeable improvement in his play. In the six games since Christmas, Philp has two goals and two assists. More importantly his skating burst appears to have returned. This is honestly the most important element for Philp. He came into the professional game requiring an improvement to his skating quickness. His overall speed was fine, but his burst wasn’t strong enough to either separate himself from defenders or close the gap quickly on attackers. However, that changed early in his professional career where it was clear he had worked a lot on that skill.

Philp also has a knack around the net. It would be very important for him to contribute on the scoresheet in a NHL return. Again, the Oilers bottom three or four forwards have not outscored their opposition very often regardless of the combination the Oilers coaching staff puts out there. Philp obviously isn’t going to be a 30 goal scorer in the NHL, but he can score.

Don’t you love it when some strong play in the minors merits a look with the big club? Earned not given, my friends. That’s where Noah Philp is at with this most recent recall. He showed in those three games back in November that he’s capable of playing minutes at the NHL level, but what I’m most curious to see is if he can find a way to stick. You’d think this recall has him battling for the 4C spot with Derek Ryan, but who knows what Kris Knoblauch has in store for us as he works the rookie into his fourth NHL game and beyond.

In 28 games played with the Condors, Philp has collected nine goals and 17 points to go along with a +2 rating. In his three games played with the Oilers, Philp picked up the lone assist against the Predators while averaging 10:13 in TOI on the fourth line. How will he do in his second tour of duty at the NHL level? It looks like we could be only a day away from finding out.

NOAH PHILP’S 2024-25 SEASON SO FAR