Oilers prospect puts other players on notice with statement preseason game
Photo credit: Imagn Images
According to analysts, Oilers' bottom-6 hopeful Noah Philip is making a strong case to be in the lineup when the puck drops on the 2025-26 NHL season.
Noah Philip has statement game in preseason action versus the Winnipeg Jets
Philp was named the First Star of the Game for his efforts, which included a pair of primary assists, one setting up the game-winning goal by Ty Emberson. He was also noted for his strong work on the forecheck, forcing turnovers and generating uncontrolled zone exits for the Jets.
By having a strong showing in the game, Noah Philip has sent a message to any who are competing for a bottom-6 role in training camp. Hosts of GYBPod commented recently about the case Philip is making for himself:
"Noah Philip played like a player that was like, 'I'm making a statement for my case to be on this team on opening night'", Jason Stradwick said. "That's a challenge to Tomasek, right? That's a direct challenge...He's [Philip] is staking his claim."
Whatever case Philip is making for himself seems to have gotten his coach's attention also.
Noah's a big guy who skates fairly well, and tonight we saw his vision with the two goals he set up, both backhand passes. Some other plays he made breaking out, finding open ice and making the next play to transport out. There's a lot of good things I like about Noah, and hopefully he can keep that up.
- Kris Knoblauch
- Kris Knoblauch
In addition to his two primary assists, Noah recorded 4 hits, led the Oilers in Faceoff Percentage at 53.3% (8-for-15), as well as Expected Goal Share at 58%.
It is encouraging to see bottom-6 players stepping into their roles and competing hard. At the end of the day, the quality of training camp depends entirely on the kind of effort the players make.
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