Noah Philp is back on the waiver wire - and this time, it’s the Carolina Hurricanes putting him there. The 27-year-old center was scooped up from the Edmonton Oilers just last month, but after a short stint in Carolina, he’s once again up for grabs. For Edmonton, that opens the door to a potential reunion with a player who, while not flashy, brought reliable depth down the middle.
Let’s rewind a bit. Philp had carved out a modest but meaningful role with the Oilers earlier this season, chipping in two goals and an assist over 15 games while throwing his weight around with 24 hits.
He wasn’t lighting up the scoresheet, but he was doing the kind of gritty, responsible work coaches appreciate - especially in a bottom-six role. So when he was claimed off waivers by Carolina, it didn’t sit well with some fans in Edmonton.
Now, with the Hurricanes moving on after just two games (no points, six hits), the Oilers have a chance to bring him back into the fold.
The question is: Should they?
Right now, Edmonton’s center depth is holding steady. Curtis Lazar has done enough to lock down his roster spot, and Josh Samanski, recently called up, has made a solid early impression.
But that doesn’t mean the Oilers are done tweaking. This is a team with playoff aspirations, and depth - especially at center - becomes even more critical as the season wears on.
Philp isn’t going to move the needle offensively, but he knows the system, he’s shown he can step in when needed, and he brings a physical edge that fits Edmonton’s bottom-six identity. That said, even if the Oilers reclaim him, there’s no guarantee he slots right back into the NHL lineup. A trip to Bakersfield might be in the cards, at least initially.
Over two seasons in Edmonton, Philp has suited up for 30 games, tallying five points (two goals, three assists) and 39 hits. He’s not a game-changer, but he’s a known quantity - and sometimes, that’s exactly what a contending team needs in the stretch run.
Whether Edmonton decides to make a move remains to be seen. But with Philp back on waivers, the ball is in their court.