Oilers player comes out of retirement but may not rejoin the team

The Oilers have announced that top prospect Noah Philp will be returning to the organization next season after stepping away from hockey for the 2023-24 season.

Philp had an incredible 2022-23 campaign with the Oilers AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors, where he put up 19 goals and 18 assists for 39 points. His 19 goals during that season put him in a first place tie for most goals by a rookie in Condors history.





Insider Bob Stauffer reported this afternoon that the 6'3 forward will be making his return to pro hockey next year after his one year break.



The 25 year-old center played his junior hockey in the WHL in which he had his best season during his final year with the Seattle Thunderbirds, putting up 75 points in 56 games. Philp went undrafted and unsigned after junior hockey which is what led him to play for the University of Alberta for 2 years. During his time in Alberta, Philip put up 38 points in 36 games which was reward by an AHL contract with the Condors.

When Philip retired due to personal reasons, the Holland-led Oilers had actually tendered him a contract offer as an RFA. As a kid from Canmore, Alberta, it's likely that Philp would return to the Oilers if they extended an offer, or go to the Calgary Flames instead. Hopefully, the Oilers and Philp have a desire for a reunion and to pick up his development once again.