Insider Says Oilers Waiver Decision on Philp Drawing Quiet Trade Interest

The Oilers have also made a couple of waiver moves this week, placing both Noah Philp and David Tomasek on waivers for different reasons. In Tomasek’s case, he’s going back to Europe. In Philp’s case, the hope is that he’ll clear and can be assigned to the Bakersfield Condors. However, that might not be where Philp’s story ends.

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According to Elliotte Friedman, the Philip situation is an interesting one. During his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, he noted, “I’ve always had a soft spot for Canadian university guys, considering I covered Canadian university hockey early in my career.” In other words, he’s watching the Philp situation closely.

What he’s seeing is a potential situation in which this waiver is only the start of other moves that could include the big, right-shot center.

Friedman explained:

“I’ve had people tell me that if he clears waivers — and he might, he might not — this story might not be over. I think there are teams interested in him, but some may want the flexibility to send him down. If you claim a player on waivers, you can’t send him down for a month.”

Teams Would Rather Trade for Philp

Instead, a team might let Philp get through and then try to make a trade for him. If he clears waivers and is traded instead, the Oilers can recoup an asset, and another team can gain more flexibility when it comes to putting Philp in their system and developing him as a prospect.

Friedman noted, “teams are killing themselves for those kinds of players. I have to think there’s interest out there. That’s definitely something to keep an eye on.”

Friedman also noted that it’s worth keeping an eye on Andrew Mangiapane, as both the Oilers and the forward could be open to a trade that gives him an opportunity on another team this season.

Next: Andrew Mangiapane Open to Trade As Oilers Make Roster Changes