Noah Philp is drawing comparisons to Derek Ryan, a veteran center who recently retired after four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and a decade in the NHL. Philp, a center from Canmore, Alberta, has impressed in the 2025 pre-season, leading the Oilers in points (three) and plus/minus (plus-3) while winning 53.6 percent of his faceoffs in two games. In a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets, Philp earned First Star of the Game with two primary assists, four hits, and one blocked shot, while going 8-7 in faceoffs.

If Philp maintains this level of play, he has a strong chance to start the season in Edmonton's bottom six, a role Ryan previously filled. Both players share similar traits and their hockey journeys have comparable beginnings.

Like Ryan, Philp went undrafted despite a good Western Hockey League (WHL) career. Philp played for the Kootenay Ice and Seattle Thunderbirds. He then played college hockey at the University of Alberta. In 36 games with the Alberta Golden Bears, he scored 20 goals and 18 assists. Ryan also played for the University of Alberta Golden Bears, after going undrafted while playing in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs. Ryan helped the Golden Bears capture the Canada West championship in all four of his seasons. As a senior in 2010-11, he was named Canada West MVP after leading the conference with 47 points in 28 games.

Philp signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers on April 5, 2022. He finished the season with the Bakersfield Condors on an amateur tryout. In the following season, he recorded 19 goals and 18 assists in 70 games, catching the attention of Oilers management. However, on June 14, 2023, Philp announced his retirement from hockey for personal reasons.

Philp returned to the Oilers on July 1, 2024, signing a one-year deal. He was called up on October 29, 2024, along with Drake Caggiula after an injury to captain Connor McDavid. Philp played his first NHL game on October 31, 2024, in a 5–1 win against the Nashville Predators, recording his first career assist on a Corey Perry goal.

After being out of hockey for eight months, Philp made his NHL debut with the Oilers. He focused on skating and rebuilding the basics. The Oilers had retained his RFA rights in 2023 and extended an early training camp invite when they learned of Philp's quest to return.

Philp's first NHL stint lasted three games. He was then sent back to Bakersfield, but a strong performance earned him another look with Edmonton, and he was called up again.

Philp is a big-bodied, right-shot center. He stands at 6'3" and weighs 198 lbs. While he is a point producer at lower levels, he is more of a role player in the NHL.

His journey to the NHL included a stint in Canadian university hockey and a brief retirement. Philp's size is considered a major asset.

During the 2024-25 season, Philp played 15 games for the Oilers, recording 2 assists and a plus/minus of +1. He also spent time with the Bakersfield Condors, playing 55 games and scoring 19 goals and 35 points.

Some have suggested that Philp should be given a real chance at the 4C role, arguing that he is bigger, faster, and more physical than other options.