Noah Philp, former Oilers forward, retires, ending career before HV71 debut in surprise move

Former Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes forward Noah Philp has retired from professional hockey, Swedish club HV71 announced.

Philp, who signed a one year contract with HV71 earlier this summer, decided to end his career before playing a game for the club.

According to the team's press release, the 27-year-old apologised for the timing of his decision but said he could no longer fully commit to the sport.

"My motivation for hockey is not fully there" and "would rather be completely honest than not be fully invested in playing," Philp said, according to HV71.

The club said it will now look for a replacement ahead of the new season.

Philp previously stepped away from hockey after a successful 2022-23 season with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL, taking a year-long break before returning to the game.

The undrafted centre made his NHL debut with the Oilers during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 15 games.

He was later claimed off waivers by the Hurricanes, where he played two NHL games before spending most of the season with the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

Philp helped the a Wolves reach the Calder Cup Final, recording 14 points in 21 playoff games before signing with HV71.