As the trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar position: evaluating their roster and exploring potential upgrades. Amidst ongoing discussions about acquiring a top-nine forward and sorting out the future of Andrew Mangiapane, another intriguing possibility has emerged: could the Oilers consider claiming a former center off waivers?.
Noah Philp, a 27-year-old undrafted center, was recently placed on waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes had claimed Philp off waivers from the Oilers on December 28, 2025.
Philp's journey to the NHL is a testament to perseverance. After success at the AHL level, he made his NHL debut last season. This season, he played 15 games for Edmonton, recording two goals and one assist while averaging 10:02 of ice time. While those numbers don't jump off the page, Philp provided the Oilers with a solid depth option at center.
The Oilers' decision to initially place Philp on waivers raised eyebrows among some fans, who were disappointed at the prospect of losing a reliable depth player. However, the possibility of him returning to Edmonton has now resurfaced.
Several factors could influence the Oilers' decision. First, they must assess their current depth at center. With Curtis Lazar playing well and other options available, the Oilers need to determine if Philp would be a significant upgrade. Second, they must consider Philp's recent injury. He suffered a concussion on January 6 and has been sidelined since. While he has recently been practicing with the Hurricanes, his health and readiness to play remain question marks.
Third, the Oilers' ongoing pursuit of a top-nine forward could impact their waiver claim strategy. If they acquire a center via trade, the need for Philp would likely diminish. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Oilers are actively surveying the trade market but are unsure if they will prioritize a winger or a center. The team has been linked to Bobby McMann, a Toronto Maple Leafs winger, with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggesting he would "look good" in Edmonton's lineup.
The Oilers are also reportedly still trying to trade Andrew Mangiapane. LeBrun notes that the Oilers have remained in steady contact with teams and Mangiapane's agent, Allain Roy, keeping talks constructive.
Ultimately, the Oilers' decision on whether to put in a waiver claim for Philp will depend on a combination of factors, including their assessment of his current abilities, his health status, and their overall roster strategy. If they believe he can provide valuable depth at center and contribute to the team's success, a reunion could be in the cards.
