<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Edmonton Oilers came into the preseason with several roster spots up for grabs. But after another strong showing from their young forwards <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/noah-philp-leads-way-edmonton-oilers-beat-winnipeg-jets-pre-season">against the Winnipeg Jets</a>, things are starting to get complicated. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Noah Philp, Quinn Hutson, and Ike Howard all put together impressive performances. Add the likes of David Tomášek and Matt Savoie to the list, and the number of players with little NHL experience pushing for roster spots is quickly becoming the most intriguing storyline of camp. </span></p>
<p></p>
<h2>Noah Philp</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">A two-assist game from Philp early in the preseason is a great start for a player who just missed making the team last season. He may not be the youngest guy vying for a roster spot for the first time, but he is continuing to build on his game. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">He led all Oiler players with a 58% expected goal share and had the best faceoff percentage, winning 61% of his draws. As one of Edmonton&#8217;s few right-shot centers, the ability to win faceoffs and drive play are keys for him to make the team. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In this game, he did some nice work on the forecheck; he forced several turnovers and rushed, uncontrolled zone exits.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The most notable play he made was his second assist of the game. Philp picked the puck up along the half wall, and with his head up, he fired </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">a perfect saucer pass onto the tape of</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Emberson, who scored the eventual game-winning goal. </span></p>
<div style="width: 1424px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-181119-1" width="1424" height="801" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Philp-Pass.mp4?_=1" /><a href="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Philp-Pass.mp4">http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Philp-Pass.mp4</a></video></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There weren&#8217;t many noteworthy moments in transition from him in this game, but his work in the offensive and defensive zones was exemplary. Could Philp earn himself a spot over a veteran NHLer like Curtis Lazar? It&#8217;s something to keep an eye on. </span></p>
<h2>Quinn Hutson</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The most consistent player for the Oilers so far is Hutson. He has points in three of the four games he&#8217;s played since the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/report-cards-edmonton-oilers-top-prospects-rookie-game-calgary-flames">start of rookie camp</a> and continues raising his stock. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">His goal in this game came on a fantastic deflection. He parked in front of the net and got good stick position on Kale Clague to redirect the puck top-shelf. Hutson&#8217;s knack for getting himself in the right spots has been a theme all camp.</span></p>
<div style="width: 1424px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-181119-2" width="1424" height="801" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-from-Philp.mp4?_=2" /><a href="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-from-Philp.mp4">http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-from-Philp.mp4</a></video></div>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The chances he generated on a second-period power play also caught my eye. First, a high danger pass right into the slot, and then a one-timer. Neither resulted in a goal, but they were terrific chances.</span></p>
<div style="width: 1424px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-181119-3" width="1424" height="801" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-Power-Play.mp4?_=3" /><a href="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-Power-Play.mp4">http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-Power-Play.mp4</a></video></div>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Hutson was not someone I was expecting to see on the team come opening night, but he is starting to make a believer out of me. At this moment, I would have him slotted ahead of Mattias Janmark on my depth chart. </span></p>
<h2>Ike Howard</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Howard is getting more and more comfortable each game. After an underwhelming rookie camp, Howard has found his stride in the preseason. This game was his best showing yet. Howard has a sound understanding of how to move off the puck in the offensive zone. He looks like a kid in a candy store when he finds himself open, tapping and waving his stick. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There was an extended shift where Howard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Kasperi Kapanen had the Jets on their heels for over a minute. He constantly telegraphed one-timers, moved in and out of traffic, and got himself open in shooting positions. It wasn&#8217;t long before he finally buried his first goal on the power play. It was his signature one-time rocket on a brilliant feed from Nugent-Hopkins.  </span></p>
<div style="width: 1424px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-181119-4" width="1424" height="801" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Howard-Goal.mp4?_=4" /><a href="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Howard-Goal.mp4">http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Howard-Goal.mp4</a></video></div>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Howard was all around the puck in this game. Whether it was cycling in the offensive zone or slamming on the brakes during a rush to hit Kapanen in the slot, he seemed to be feeling confident.</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> He looks ready to play middle-six in the NHL right now.</span></p>
<h2>Roster Implications</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">We&#8217;ve seen these players in action a few times this fall, and it&#8217;s becoming increasingly clear that they all deserve a look in the NHL. Taking jobs away from veteran players who have been through multiple deep playoff runs is difficult. But, at this point, Mattias Janmark and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-adam-henrique-depreceating-asset">Adam Henrique are depreciating assets</a>. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There will always be a bias toward veteran players in the NHL because coaches trust players with experience. But right now, Savoie, Howard, Philp, and Hutson are earning it. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There should be room for most, if not all, of these players to be on the opening night roster while Hyman is out. But how many young players is too many for a contending team? And would the Oilers ever consider sending someone like Janmark to the minors to make room for them all? One Thing&#8217;s for sure: these NHL hopefuls aren&#8217;t just knocking on the door, they&#8217;re kicking it down.</span></p>
<hr />
<h2><strong>PRESENTED BY ODD COMPANY</strong></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-161882 aligncenter" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/website-banner-727x404-1.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/website-banner-727x404-1.png 727w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/website-banner-727x404-1-300x167.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px" /></p>
<p>We’re beyond excited to announce our latest partnership with Odd Company Brewing to bring you <a href="https://www.oddcompany.ca/new-blog/2024/10/8/nationbeer-everyday-lager" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the all-new Nation Beer</a> Everyday Lager! Whether you&#8217;re watching the big game, chilling with friends, or just kicking back after a long day, this crisp, refreshing lager is the perfect choice. It’s the brew you can count on anytime, anywhere. So, why not make it your next game-day tradition? Nation Beer Everyday Lager is available now at Odd Company Brewing and through Liquor Connect. Don’t miss out—grab yours today and take your beer game to the next level! Cheers, Nation Citizens!</p>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Edmonton Oilers came into the preseason with several roster spots up for grabs. But after another strong showing from their young forwards <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/noah-philp-leads-way-edmonton-oilers-beat-winnipeg-jets-pre-season">against the Winnipeg Jets</a>, things are starting to get complicated. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Noah Philp, Quinn Hutson, and Ike Howard all put together impressive performances. Add the likes of David Tomášek and Matt Savoie to the list, and the number of players with little NHL experience pushing for roster spots is quickly becoming the most intriguing storyline of camp. </span>


<h2>Noah Philp</h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">A two-assist game from Philp early in the preseason is a great start for a player who just missed making the team last season. He may not be the youngest guy vying for a roster spot for the first time, but he is continuing to build on his game. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">He led all Oiler players with a 58% expected goal share and had the best faceoff percentage, winning 61% of his draws. As one of Edmonton's few right-shot centers, the ability to win faceoffs and drive play are keys for him to make the team. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">In this game, he did some nice work on the forecheck; he forced several turnovers and rushed, uncontrolled zone exits.</span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The most notable play he made was his second assist of the game. Philp picked the puck up along the half wall, and with his head up, he fired </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">a perfect saucer pass onto the tape of</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Emberson, who scored the eventual game-winning goal. </span>

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Philp-Pass.mp4"][/video]

&nbsp;

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">There weren't many noteworthy moments in transition from him in this game, but his work in the offensive and defensive zones was exemplary. Could Philp earn himself a spot over a veteran NHLer like Curtis Lazar? It's something to keep an eye on. </span>
<h2>Quinn Hutson</h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The most consistent player for the Oilers so far is Hutson. He has points in three of the four games he's played since the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/report-cards-edmonton-oilers-top-prospects-rookie-game-calgary-flames">start of rookie camp</a> and continues raising his stock. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">His goal in this game came on a fantastic deflection. He parked in front of the net and got good stick position on Kale Clague to redirect the puck top-shelf. Hutson's knack for getting himself in the right spots has been a theme all camp.</span>

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-from-Philp.mp4"][/video]

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The chances he generated on a second-period power play also caught my eye. First, a high danger pass right into the slot, and then a one-timer. Neither resulted in a goal, but they were terrific chances.</span>

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hutson-Power-Play.mp4"][/video]

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Hutson was not someone I was expecting to see on the team come opening night, but he is starting to make a believer out of me. At this moment, I would have him slotted ahead of Mattias Janmark on my depth chart. </span>
<h2>Ike Howard</h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Howard is getting more and more comfortable each game. After an underwhelming rookie camp, Howard has found his stride in the preseason. This game was his best showing yet. Howard has a sound understanding of how to move off the puck in the offensive zone. He looks like a kid in a candy store when he finds himself open, tapping and waving his stick. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">There was an extended shift where Howard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Kasperi Kapanen had the Jets on their heels for over a minute. He constantly telegraphed one-timers, moved in and out of traffic, and got himself open in shooting positions. It wasn't long before he finally buried his first goal on the power play. It was his signature one-time rocket on a brilliant feed from Nugent-Hopkins.  </span>

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Howard-Goal.mp4"][/video]

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Howard was all around the puck in this game. Whether it was cycling in the offensive zone or slamming on the brakes during a rush to hit Kapanen in the slot, he seemed to be feeling confident.</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> He looks ready to play middle-six in the NHL right now.</span>
<h2>Roster Implications</h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">We've seen these players in action a few times this fall, and it's becoming increasingly clear that they all deserve a look in the NHL. Taking jobs away from veteran players who have been through multiple deep playoff runs is difficult. But, at this point, Mattias Janmark and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-adam-henrique-depreceating-asset">Adam Henrique are depreciating assets</a>. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">There will always be a bias toward veteran players in the NHL because coaches trust players with experience. But right now, Savoie, Howard, Philp, and Hutson are earning it. </span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">There should be room for most, if not all, of these players to be on the opening night roster while Hyman is out. But how many young players is too many for a contending team? And would the Oilers ever consider sending someone like Janmark to the minors to make room for them all? One Thing's for sure: these NHL hopefuls aren't just knocking on the door, they're kicking it down.</span>

<hr />

<h2><strong>PRESENTED BY ODD COMPANY</strong></h2>
<img class="size-full wp-image-161882 aligncenter" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/website-banner-727x404-1.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" />

We’re beyond excited to announce our latest partnership with Odd Company Brewing to bring you <a href="https://www.oddcompany.ca/new-blog/2024/10/8/nationbeer-everyday-lager" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the all-new Nation Beer</a> Everyday Lager! Whether you're watching the big game, chilling with friends, or just kicking back after a long day, this crisp, refreshing lager is the perfect choice. It’s the brew you can count on anytime, anywhere. So, why not make it your next game-day tradition? Nation Beer Everyday Lager is available now at Odd Company Brewing and through Liquor Connect. Don’t miss out—grab yours today and take your beer game to the next level! Cheers, Nation Citizens!

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