When we think about college free agency, we tend to think about the NCAA for obvious reasons; they do supply the overwhelming majority of college free agent signings at this time of year. But at least one player appears to be heading for an NHL contract from a different route as Postmedia’s Kurt Leavins reports that at least four teams have kept tabs on Canadian college free agent center Noah Philp.
The 23-year-old went undrafted after wrapping up his major junior career with Seattle and got into a pair of games with AHL Stockton in 2019. In doing so, he eliminated any potential eligibility of going the NCAA route so he turned to the USports pathway instead, spending the last three seasons with the University of Alberta. This season, Philp was limited to just eight games with the Golden Bears where he had eight goals and three assists. He has been even more productive in the playoffs, collecting three goals and seven helpers in just four games.
Leavins lists the Bruins, Flames (his brother Luke Philp is in their system), Flyers, and Oilers as those who have followed Philp this season. As he turns 24 in August, his signing age for entry-level purposes will be 24 which will limit him to a one-year contract. As a 6’3 center with some offensive upside, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him land an NHL deal in the weeks to come.
Thoughts and prayers. Gone too soon. He was a good man.
Noah Philp is still alive.