There is nothing above Connor McDavid and his contract extension in the pyramid of concerns for the Edmonton Oilers right now. Reaching an extension with the 28-year-old is all the organization cares about ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. However, reports have now hinted there is another forward whose upcoming campaign will be career-defining.

Regardless of how much money and term McDavid ends up re-signing for in Edmonton, there’s little doubt he will stay in Canada’s Oil Capital. However, the real concern would come if the Oilers suddenly fell out of contention and lost ground on the NHL’s top teams.

If that’s the case, McDavid could watch his championship window slam shut—and that might be all she wrote for his time in Edmonton. However, it’s safe to say the Oilers are determined to not let that happen. In order for that to stay true, though, an under-the-radar player might have to step up and produce.

According to reports, the 2025-26 NHL campaign could make-or-break undrafted forward Noah Philp’s career in the big leagues. The younger brother of Washington Capitals’ Luke Philp could have his back against the wall this upcoming season.

Noah Philp #48 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on October 02, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

Noah Philp #48 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on October 02, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

Make-or-break

“Another young guy to watch but who is not a prospect anymore is Noah Philp. The biggest season of his life is ahead of him,” The Edmonton Journal’s Kurt Leavins stated.

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“In a fifteen-game audition in the NHL, the right-shot center showed he could handle the defensive responsibilities at this level. But can he crack a lineup bent on a Stanley Cup? That is a different challenge. Philp is now also waiver eligible.“

Philp, an undrafted 26-year-old (who turns 27 on August 31), is now sensing the pressure. He registered two assists in 15 appearances last season, with his best traits shown on Edmonton’s D-zone. However, Kris Knoblauch and the coaching staff will expect better numbers from him, regardless of how nice the advanced metrics might look.

Philp is now waiver eligible, which means the Oilers can place him on waivers, allowing another NHL franchise to claim him and kickstart his revenge tour. However, he could also clear waivers, giving Edmonton the chance to either send him down to the minors or cut him from the team altogether.

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before action against the Winnipeg Jets during the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic hockey game on October 23, 2016 at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before action against the Winnipeg Jets during the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic hockey game on October 23, 2016 at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Are they built for this?

As has been made clear, McDavid’s future isn’t the only one on the line in the upcoming season for the Edmonton Oilers. After consecutive losses in the Stanley Cup Final, these lingering threats only add to the boiling tension in Alberta.

SurveyWho will win the Hart Memorial Trophy next season?

Who will win the Hart Memorial Trophy next season?

While a region known for its oil and natural resources might be expected to have pipes built to withstand such pressure, the question remains—are the Oilers capable?