Has Noah Philp done enough to win an NHL job with the Edmonton Oilers? – The Athletic

Noah Philp is a name that’s increasingly being discussed around the Edmonton Oilers as a potential future contributor to the NHL team. The 24-year-old forward has put together a solid career in the AHL, especially with the Bakersfield Condors, where his play has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike. However, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Philp has done enough to earn a full-time spot on the Oilers’ roster, especially given the team’s existing depth and expectations for the future. Let’s break down his journey, his strengths, weaknesses, and whether his performances so far have justified a permanent place on the NHL roster.

Philp’s Journey to the NHL

Noah Philp wasn’t always seen as a future NHL player. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Philp played junior hockey for the University of Alberta Golden Bears, a successful team in Canadian university hockey. While the transition from U Sports to the professional level is a difficult one for many players, Philp has shown the ability to adapt quickly. After completing his collegiate career, he signed an AHL contract with the Edmonton Oilers’ affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, in 2021.

Philp had a solid start in the AHL, impressing with his versatility, skating, and intelligence on the ice. He’s not the flashiest player, but he gets results. His ability to contribute on both ends of the rink, combined with his mature approach to the game, made him stand out. Over time, he has become a key player for the Condors, with a noticeable ability to make plays at key moments.

However, despite his AHL success, Philp’s path to the NHL was never guaranteed. The Oilers have a deep roster, particularly up front, and competition for spots is fierce. With the likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins holding down top spots, Philp would need to prove himself in more ways than one to earn a full-time role with the big club.

The Case for Philp’s NHL Potential

1. Two-Way Play

One of the first things that stands out about Philp’s game is his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. In a league that values versatility, Philp’s ability to be an asset on the defensive side as well as offensively is a major selling point. His commitment to defensive responsibility is something that likely helps him in the Oilers’ system, which has often prioritized two-way players to complement their high-powered offensive unit.

Philp’s attention to detail in his own zone has earned him praise from his coaches, and it’s an attribute that would be highly valued on a team like the Oilers. In a group that already features some of the most elite offensive players in the world, adding a player who can contribute defensively would be a welcome addition. His ability to be reliable and responsible without the puck makes him an appealing candidate for bottom-six minutes, where defense and consistency are often prioritized over raw offensive output.

2. Smart Hockey IQ and Playmaking Ability

Philp is known for his hockey IQ. He’s not necessarily the fastest or the most physical player, but he seems to always be in the right place at the right time. His anticipation of plays and his ability to read the game give him a significant edge, especially in the AHL, where such traits can be the difference between a good player and a great one.

At the AHL level, he has been able to leverage his high hockey IQ to create offense for his teammates. Whether it’s making a well-timed pass or getting himself into open spaces, Philp has been able to generate scoring chances, even if he’s not always the one finishing the plays. His playmaking ability is something the Oilers could use on their bottom lines, especially when they want to distribute the puck effectively without relying solely on their star players.

3. Strong AHL Numbers

Philp’s numbers in the AHL are another strong indicator of his readiness for an NHL call-up. In 2023, he posted 25 points in 53 games for the Condors, showing that he can be a steady contributor in the minors. His offensive output may not scream “top-six forward,” but he’s consistently put up respectable numbers and has been a reliable presence on the ice.

His performance with the Condors is particularly significant because the AHL is a league where many players refine their skills before making the jump to the NHL. Philp has shown that he can play at a professional level, and his success in the minors gives the Oilers confidence that he has the potential to be effective at the next level.

4. Team Depth and Role Suitability

With the Oilers’ roster boasting such a high level of talent, the team’s focus is often on finding depth players who can be trusted in a variety of roles. Philp’s skill set fits into this narrative. With a strong defensive game and the ability to contribute offensively when needed, he could be the perfect fit for a bottom-six role.

The Oilers’ need for reliable role players has only grown in recent seasons. Players who can contribute without needing to score at a high rate or steal the spotlight are crucial for balancing the lineup. Philp is a player who can step into such a role and help the team stay competitive even without taking on one of the more high-profile spots in the top six.

The Case Against Philp’s NHL Readiness

1. Lack of Elite Offense

While Philp’s playmaking and hockey IQ are solid, one of the major criticisms of his game is his lack of elite offensive production. In the modern NHL, it’s often expected that even bottom-six forwards contribute more on the scoreboard. Philp has yet to prove that he can consistently generate offense at the NHL level, and his numbers in the AHL, while good, don’t exactly indicate that he’ll be able to replicate the same level of production in the world’s most competitive league.

Though he’s shown the ability to make plays in the AHL, making that transition to the NHL is a different challenge altogether. The speed and intensity of the NHL game are significantly higher, and while Philp may be able to keep up, it’s not guaranteed that his skill set will translate to the next level.

2. Competition for NHL Spots

One of the most significant challenges for Philp in securing an NHL roster spot is the sheer amount of competition he faces. The Oilers are loaded with talent up front, and Philp’s potential spot would likely come from the bottom six or as a depth forward. The competition for those spots is fierce, with players like Warren Foegele, Klim Kostin, and even other young players pushing for roles.

The Oilers’ depth at forward means that Philp has to prove not only that he can contribute at the NHL level but that he can do so consistently and outplay others who are vying for similar roles. He’s not alone in his pursuit of a roster spot, and the Oilers have other options, which makes it harder for Philp to carve out his place on the team.

3. Physicality and Skating Speed

Philp’s physicality and skating speed are often cited as areas where he falls short compared to other NHL-caliber players. While he’s a smart player with good positional awareness, he doesn’t have the kind of explosive speed or physicality that’s typically demanded at the highest level. NHL teams are looking for players who can play fast, hit hard, and keep up with the pace of the game, especially in a league that is increasingly focused on speed and skill.

While Philp has good skating mechanics, he doesn’t possess the breakaway speed that some of his contemporaries do, which could be a limiting factor if he’s to make the leap to the NHL. In today’s game, teams want forwards who can keep up with the high pace and handle physical pressure from aggressive defenders, and that’s a challenge that Philp may need to overcome.