The Edmonton Oilers have made a surprising move, placing forward Noah Philp on waivers. The announcement came on Sunday, December 28th, following the activation of Philp from the long-term injured reserve (LTIR). This decision adds an unexpected twist to the Oilers' roster management as they navigate the current NHL season.
Philp, a native of Canmore, Alberta, has played in 15 games for the Oilers this season, contributing two goals and one assist. His average ice time has been around 10 minutes per game, primarily in a fourth-line role, and he has also been a healthy scratch at times. The 26-year-old forward last played on November 17th before being sidelined with an upper-body injury that landed him on LTIR.
This move is somewhat unexpected, considering Philp recently signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Oilers after playing 15 games with the team last year. By placing him on waivers, the Oilers risk losing him to another team if he is claimed within the specified time frame. If he clears waivers, Philp is expected to join the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers' AHL affiliate. There, he will aim to regain his form and work his way back into the NHL lineup.
The Oilers also placed forward David Tomášek on waivers for the purpose of contract termination. Tomášek, a 29-year-old Czech player, had appeared in 22 games for the Oilers this season, recording three goals and two assists. He signed a one-year deal with Edmonton on April 2nd, after playing for Färjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League. It is expected that Tomášek will return to Färjestad BK upon clearing waivers.
The decision to waive Tomášek signals the end of his brief stint with the Oilers and allows him to pursue opportunities back in Europe. For the Oilers, it opens up a roster spot and provides some financial flexibility.
These transactions suggest that Oilers General Manager Ken Holland is actively trying to fine-tune the roster as the team heads into the new year. Waiving Philp could be a strategic move to create roster space, add a different dynamic to the team, or provide an opportunity for other players within the organization. The Oilers may be looking to shake things up as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
The Oilers' decision to place Philp on waivers is a calculated risk. While he has shown flashes of potential, his overall performance may not have been enough to secure a permanent spot on the roster. Other teams will now have the opportunity to assess Philp's value and potentially add him to their own lineups. Whether or not he gets claimed remains to be seen, but this move undoubtedly adds an element of intrigue to the Oilers' ongoing season.
