EDMONTON – Noah Philp’s eyebrow-raising showing at the Edmonton Oilers training camp is catching everybody by surprise.
As opening night nears, the big 26-year-old forward from Canmore is in the conversation for cracking the NHL’s club roster after impressive, stand-out play in the preseason.
Much of the attention focuses on Philp’s comeback story that has many fans and media getting behind and rooting for the undrafted prospect. Mainly because Philp has made a push to contend for a spot on an NHL team – without ever playing an NHL game – after sitting out all of last season due to personal reasons.
One of Philp’s close friends, Sam Jones, a certified personal trainer at Be A Pro who trained the Oilers hopeful in the summer said he thought Philp always had a chance to make the opening night roster, but is amazed that his friend is actually knocking on the door.
“I don’t think anyone expected it and I think it is gaining attention because of how remarkable of a feat it is,” said Jones. “To even be in the question for a roster spot after 18 months off, right off the bat … I would be shocked if anyone else has done anything like this.”
Although Philp certainly isn’t just getting by on a great underdog story alone.
Despite limited minutes, important areas of the game that the six-foot-three right-handed centre is being noticed in are on the penalty kill, and winning faceoffs (59.6 per cent).
“I’d like to think I’m getting a little better, but yeah, just trying to be stronger and win battles and be good defensively and I think I’ve gotten better at that and I’ve been learning from the coaches. They’ve been giving me lots of good tips and that’s my progression,” said Philp in a media scrum.
On occasion, the quick hands of Philp have been doing some magic tricks, like when he scored a slick goal against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday (Sept. 28). He had shown signs of being a prospect with a nose for the net before stepping away from the game – tying the rookie scoring record for the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL at 19 goals in 2022-23.
“I think when you’re playing with the quality of players that are here – even if you’re not getting minutes – just being around them and learning it can be incredibly beneficial,” said Philp.
His continued strong play, which has caught the eyes of the coaching staff, has primed the former U of A Golden Bear to be one of three legitimate contenders for the last forward spot on the Oilers roster.
“Here’s a guy who hasn’t played in 17, 18 months and to come to an NHL camp and to make the team right away would have been almost ridiculous to think about,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch in a media scrum. “But he’s played really well and he’s showed us that he is ready and he didn’t have as much rust as you would think.
“It’s nice to see that we have some options, but we still have some more time to evaluate guys, but he’s done a heck of a job and he has been noticed.”
Drake Caggiula and Raphael Lavoie are the other two forwards vying for the coveted fourth line position next to Corey Perry and Derek Ryan.
Jones, however, thinks his buddy is a “dream fourth liner” with potential to move up to third or even a second line.
Jones added that one of Philp’s biggest qualities that has helped put him back on the radar is a balls-to-the-wall work ethic.
“He’s always been naturally talented, but when he came in to work with me this summer, he’s a workhorse,” said Jones. “He does anything you ask of him and he’s doing it at 110 per cent and it was really good for the younger guys to see that this is how a guy, on the border of making the NHL, trains.”
As many are impressed with Philp, the big preparation took place back home in Canmore and with Be A Pro, a hockey training program for elite players, which Philp co-owns with Jones.
The road back to professional hockey started last January and then, in the summer, Philp signed to a one-year, two-way contract this past summer that is worth a very team-friendly deal of $775,000 at the NHL level.
After initial fitness testing with the Oilers, Philp’s first few strides weren’t where they wanted them to be.
With not a lot of time to get ready, Philp maximized his short window, and did not get injured in the process.
“I think the big thing for Noah was getting strength back and being able to tolerate that load,” said Jones.
“The biggest thing for him was his cardio, the injury prevention and his first three strides, especially out on the field, with a lot of the work we were doing there.”
With a quiet confidence to his game, Jones said that Philp’s time off has given him a refreshed perspective on things as he tries to crack the roster on opening night (Oct. 9) against the Winnipeg Jets.
“I have spoken to him a bit and I know it hasn't been the easiest time of his life, this training camp. I know he’s obviously had his struggles, but I think compared to the average person, mentally he’s just on a high level in the way he can function right now with that fresh perspective, which is good to see.”
The Oilers play a preseason game Wednesday (Oct. 2) against the Kraken. Puck drop is 8 p.m.