The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed their (hopeful) fourth line centre, Noah Philp, to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000. This shows, that the Oilers are interested in re-signing their younger players and keeping them in the lineup.
With Edmonton having been called an older and slower team last season, I would not be surprised if they focus this off-season on picking up some more younger players or prospects, to bring some speed and skill back into the team.
It should be noted that for an older team like Edmonton, even Philp, who will be 27 at the start of the season, can bring the average age of the team down.
Noah Philp’s first season as an Edmonton Oiler
Noah Philp played his first set of NHL games with the Oilers in the 2024-25 season. He only laced up for 15 games and was able to get his first point, in his first game, which was an assist against the Nashville Predators.
Through his first 15 professional games, he put up two assists, was +1, and spent two minutes in the penalty box. He saw an average time on ice of 9:05 per game and had 17 shots on the net, and won 39.2% of faceoffs.
What’s next for Noah Philp
With Philp being signed to a two-way contract, that means that his expected salary will differ depending on whether he plays in the NHL or with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. It is going to be up to Philp, to prove that he is again ready to center the Oilers fourth line and deserves the minutes that he will receive. Many thought he was ready last season, but he was unable to retain a regular spot in the line-up.
I am sure that he will be a part of the Oilers prospect camp before the pre-season begins, and he will also be playing in the majority of the pre-season games before the regular season gets underway.
That is going to be the perfect opportunity for Philp to showcase his skills and what he can do, in hopes of the Oilers keeping him on their fourth line and on their roster.
