Oilers Waiving Veteran Forward Seems Imminent After Multiple Healthy Scratches
The Edmonton Oilers currently have a need to improve on their fourth line center position before the playoffs, and after Derek Ryan has been healthy scratched several times, it seems a waivers move is coming.
The Oilers will face even more tough roster decisions when Evander Kane returns from injury as well, forcing another regular out of the lineup.
Several insiders have reported the Oilers may also explore a bottom six forwards in trade, but before they do so, they'll call up Noah Philp for an evaluation. That would likely mean waiving Derek Ryan.
Many fans are eager for the Oilers to jump the gun and make the roster move already. Giving Philp an extended run of NHL games is better than calling him up 5 games before the March 7 trade deadline.
Oilers recall of Noah Philp Seems Imminent After Multiple Healthy Scratches for Derek Ryan
Noah Philp is an interesting prospect that's extremely easy to cheer for because of his unique story. At 26 years old, the undrafted University of Alberta forward is coming out of retirement.
After taking a year away from hockey for personal reasons, Philp made the decision to return to play and turned heads at training camp.
As a 6'3 right shot centreman that plays a responsible defensive game with speed, he's exactly what the Oilers could use on the fourth line. Edmonton needs to at least call him up for an evaluation before the trade deadline, and it could happen soon.
In 24 AHL games this season, Philp has 7 goals and 14 points, with a +5 on ice rating. The Oilers did want to get him some AHL ice time before calling him up after the retirement.
Hopefully the Oilers are able to sneak Derek Ryan through waivers when the transaction inevitably comes. At 37 years old and in the final year of his contract, maybe he could threaten retirement if claimed.
