The Edmonton Oilers' decision to place Noah Philp on waivers has generated a wave of reactions, with some fans expressing outrage over losing a player for nothing. However, a closer look reveals key context often missing in the initial uproar. On December 29, 2025, the Carolina Hurricanes claimed Philp, ending his tenure with the Oilers organization.

Philp, a 27-year-old right-shot center, had a journey to the NHL that resonated with many. After a productive stint with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, he played in 15 games for the Oilers in the 2024-25 season, recording two goals and one assist. Before his NHL debut on October 31, 2024, Philp excelled at the AHL level, scoring 19 goals in 70 games with the Bakersfield Condors in 2022-23. He initially retired after that season but returned to the Condors in 2024-25, where he posted 19 goals and 35 points in 55 games.

Despite his size (6'3", 198 lbs), Philp faced criticism for not fully utilizing his frame and for inconsistent compete level in the NHL. His ice time also decreased as the season progressed. Although he scored his first NHL goal on October 11 against the Vancouver Canucks and stood up for a teammate, he was a healthy scratch for the subsequent three games.

The Oilers' bottom-six forwards have struggled to generate offense, and the team is keen to find solutions. Placing Philp on waivers suggests the Oilers were hoping to assign him to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. This would allow him to continue playing and developing while providing the Oilers with roster flexibility. However, Carolina's claim indicates that they see NHL potential in him.

According to Elliotte Friedman, there was potential trade interest in Philp. Some teams may have preferred to see if he cleared waivers to gain the flexibility of sending him down to the AHL, which is not permitted for 30 days after claiming a player off waivers. Had Philp cleared waivers, the Oilers could have potentially traded him and recouped an asset.

The Oilers also placed David Tomášek on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, allowing him to return to Sweden.

Oilers' General Manager, Ken Holland, had previously stated after acquiring Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from the Anaheim Ducks in March 2024, that "you can't win popularity contests, unfortunately". Holland's comments underscore the difficult decisions NHL teams face managing their rosters. The acquisition of Henrique addressed the need for versatile, penalty-killing centers, valuable assets come playoff time.

While losing Philp for nothing may sting for some fans, the Oilers likely weighed their options and determined that the potential benefits of waivers (AHL assignment or potential trade) outweighed the risk of losing him to another team. The Hurricanes, in turn, acquire a player they believe can contribute to their organization, adding another layer of intrigue to this transaction.