Standout Edmonton Oilers Prospect Takes a Surprising Turn in the AHL, Now May Not Make the NHL

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Liam McCormick
November 25, 2024 (4:51 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers were greatly surprised by the emergence of Noah Philp as a standout player in this year's training camp, but unfortunately, it looks like his play peaked there this season.

According to Oilers prospect expert Bruce Curlock, the NHL management was closely watching the Condors recently, and Philp was unable to make an impression.

Philp has been given every opportunity possible to showcase his skills and get playing time in to develop his game, playing the first line and in all situations.

However, Condors report Ryan Holt has said that no Oilers prospect has stood out at all in the AHL level this year. They try to spin that positively for the Condors team play, but it's not a good sign that no player is standing out - especially players like Noah Philp and Matthew Savoie.

In training camp this season, the surprise emergence of the 26 year old Noah Philp was one of the best stories across the entire NHL.

Philp had retired from professional hockey entirely at the age of 25 for personal reasons, and still hasn't gone into much detail about that time away from the game.

However, Philp showed incredible perseverance in training camp with his standout play, and nearly made the NHL roster out of camp.

Now a quarter of the way through the season, Oilers veterans Derek Ryan and Corey Perry are clearly struggling to stay up to speed playing every single night.

There's been growing calls to scratch or send down a veteran, but clearly, no Oilers prospect has given management a reason to make the call - even though Philp has had every opportunity.

Bruce Curlock shared another disappointing scouting report in a separate tweet, citing that he just hasn't made an impact anywhere yet.

»I am not a fan of his game at the moment. Very inconsistent and goes long stretches were he does not impact the play. The team gives him as many opportunities as he can he has not outperformed.»
- Bruce Curlock

It's certainly disappointing to hear that Philp isn't living up to expectations, but again considering his retirement timeline, the Oilers should cut him some slack and give him some patience. If Philp can figure it out quickly though, he can take the fourth line center job from Derek Ryan.