Edmonton Oilers Re-Sign Canmore’s Noah Philp as Bernard-Docker Heads to Free Agency Seeking New NHL Opportunities

The NHL offseason is always a time of roster reshuffling, tough decisions, and new opportunities, and the Edmonton Oilers have made an early move that keeps a local product in the fold while seeing another talented player prepare to test the waters of unrestricted free agency. The Oilers announced that they have re-signed Canmore native Noah Philp, providing depth and potential for the team’s forward corps, while defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker will officially hit the open market, signaling the end of his tenure with the club.

For Philp, the new contract represents another chapter in a story that has been defined by perseverance, steady growth, and hometown pride. For Bernard-Docker, free agency offers a fresh start and a chance to carve out a larger role with a different organization after limited opportunities with the Oilers.

Philp’s return is a testament to the Oilers’ belief in his upside and the value he can bring as part of the organizational depth chart. The 25-year-old forward, originally undrafted, has had to work harder than most to keep his professional hockey dream alive. But his journey has resonated with fans, particularly in Canmore and the wider Alberta hockey community, where his roots run deep.

The Oilers’ decision to bring him back is not just about sentimentality; it reflects the steady progress Philp has made in his development. After starring at the University of Alberta and becoming a key figure for the Golden Bears, Philp made the leap to professional hockey, joining the Bakersfield Condors, Edmonton’s AHL affiliate. In Bakersfield, he showcased his versatility, reliable two-way play, and ability to contribute offensively, all of which caught the attention of the Oilers’ front office.

Philp’s first professional season was marked by consistency and hard work, earning him increased responsibilities and, eventually, this latest contract extension. The Oilers clearly see value in his skill set, particularly as they look to solidify their forward depth ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. While Philp may not yet be penciled into a top-six role, his adaptability makes him a useful asset who can slot in at center or wing, contribute on the penalty kill, and play responsible hockey in bottom-six minutes.

Perhaps more importantly, Philp represents the kind of organizational depth teams need to survive the grind of an NHL season. Injuries, slumps, and lineup shakeups are inevitable, and players like Philp, who bring energy and professionalism, are invaluable when called upon. His re-signing ensures the Oilers maintain a competitive internal environment, with players pushing each other for roster spots throughout training camp and beyond.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward also brings an element of size and grit that complements Edmonton’s more skill-focused stars. With superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl driving the offensive engine, the Oilers understand the need for role players who can win board battles, establish a net-front presence, and bring physicality when necessary. Philp’s game aligns with that blueprint, offering the Oilers a dependable option in those key areas.

Beyond the on-ice contributions, Philp’s Alberta roots deepen his connection with the fan base. For Oilers supporters, especially those in Canmore and across the province, seeing a local product rise through the ranks adds an extra layer of pride and excitement. Philp has embraced that responsibility, often speaking about how much it means to wear the Oilers jersey as someone who grew up idolizing the team.

Meanwhile, on the other side of this roster news, defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker’s departure into free agency marks a turning point in his young career. A first-round pick by the Ottawa Senators in 2018, Bernard-Docker arrived in Edmonton with considerable potential but struggled to establish himself as a mainstay on the NHL roster.

The 24-year-old blueliner is still considered a player with significant upside, particularly given his skating ability, defensive awareness, and puck-moving skills. However, competition for spots on Edmonton’s blue line, coupled with some inconsistency in his performances, meant Bernard-Docker never fully cemented his place in the lineup.

In his limited appearances with the Oilers, Bernard-Docker showed flashes of the player many scouts projected during his draft year. His ability to transition the puck, contribute to the breakout, and defend with mobility made him an intriguing option, but the crowded depth chart in Edmonton left little room for long-term development at the NHL level.

With the Oilers focused on their championship window and trying to maximize the prime years of their superstar core, tough choices had to be made. For Bernard-Docker, the opportunity to explore free agency offers a chance to find a team where he can take the next step in his career, potentially earning more consistent playing time and continuing his development without the logjam that existed in Edmonton.

Around the league, Bernard-Docker is likely to draw interest from teams in need of young, mobile defensemen who can grow into more prominent roles. His pedigree, age, and skill set still make him a desirable asset, particularly for rebuilding teams or organizations looking to bolster their defensive pipeline.

For the Oilers, parting ways with Bernard-Docker frees up a roster spot and cap space that could be allocated to other areas of need, such as bolstering their blue-line depth with more experienced options or adding additional forward depth behind their star players.

This offseason will be critical for Edmonton, as they aim to build upon recent playoff successes and make a legitimate push for the Stanley Cup. Re-signing players like Philp, who understand their role and can contribute in specific situations, is a key part of that strategy. At the same time, allowing players like Bernard-Docker to move on reflects the organizational reality that not every promising young player will find their long-term fit within the current roster structure.

The NHL is a league of constant evolution, where players, teams, and front offices must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Philp’s new contract symbolizes perseverance, local pride, and the value of hard work paying off. Bernard-Docker’s impending free agency is a reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee a secure role, but new environments often lead to renewed opportunities.

As Oilers fans look ahead to the 2025-26 season, attention will turn to training camp battles, roster decisions, and how players like Philp can carve out larger roles. Meanwhile, the hockey world will watch where Bernard-Docker lands, with the hope that a new team and fresh opportunity unlock the full potential that made him a coveted prospect not long ago.

For both players, this offseason marks the start of their next chapters. For the Oilers, it’s another calculated step in assembling a roster capable of chasing hockey’s ultimate prize. And for fans across Alberta, particularly in Canmore, it’s a moment of pride to see one of their own continue his NHL journey while another promising player embarks on his next big opportunity.