Edmonton Oilers Demote Standout Player Noah Philp in Puzzling Decision
This afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers announced the puzzling decision to send down Noah Philp to the AHL once again.
Philp will be returning to the Bakersfield Condors because of Connor McDavid's return to the lineup, but many fans and analysts believed he should stay on the roster over a veteran like Derek Ryan or Corey Perry.
The 26 year old undrafted forward has been an incredible story of work ethic and perseverance paying off. After taking a year away from hockey entirely, Philp returned to Oilers training camp on a mission to make the team, and his preseason play won over the Oilers.
In his first three NHL games, Philp played a reliable two way game as a fourth line center, and scored one assist in his debut. His play has been so good and his story has impressed the team so much that Philp has already been suggested for the NHL's Bill Masterton Award.
To get more youth and speed into the bottom six while also just trying to improve the team, Philp probably deserves to stay over Derek Ryan. The 39 year old veteran has reliably been a good depth player and penalty killer, but if he's lost a step this year, Philp is a perfect replacement who will be an Oiler longer.
Philp is expected to join Bakersfield and immediately suit up for their game in Calgary tonight. The decision to send Philp down may be just to get him more reps now, and develop him to be used later in the season and in the playoffs. It's a tough go to be sent down after a few decent NHL games, but hopefully Philp finds a way to improve his game further.
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