Rather than test the open market when free agency opens up on Wednesday, Noah Philp has already found his new team and league. SHL HV71 announced that they’ve inked the center to a one-year deal plus an option. The 27-year-old played in 17 NHL games this season, split between Edmonton and Carolina, who claimed him off waivers back in late December. He had three points in those outings while winning over 56% of his faceoffs. However, the Hurricanes were ultimately able to pass him through waivers a month later and he played in the AHL with Chicago the rest of the way. Philp picked up 17 points in 29 games down the stretch and added 14 more in 21 playoff appearances and will now try his hand playing overseas for the first time next season.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- Long-time NHL veteran Joel Ward has been named head coach of AHL Henderson, per a team announcement. Ward had 304 points in 726 NHL games over parts of 11 seasons and has been coaching in the Golden Knights organization since 2020. He started out as an assistant with the Silver Knights for three seasons and then moved up to hold the same role with Vegas for the past three years. Ward takes over for Ryan Craig, who was promoted to head coach of the Golden Knights earlier this month.
- The Canucks will be looking outside their organization to fill one of their assistant coaching roles. Frank Seravalli of Victory+ and Hockey 24/7 reports (Twitter link) that Ryan Mougenel is expected to join Manny Malhotra’s staff in Vancouver. Mougenel has served as the head coach with the AHLs Providence Bruins for the last five seasons and won the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL’s outstanding coach back in April.
- Flyers prospect Matthew Gard has made his college commitment. The center announced on his Instagram page that he will play at Michigan State University starting in the 2027-28 campaign. Gard was a second-round pick last year, going 57th overall and split this season between WHL Red Deer and Seattle where he had 17 goals and 16 assists in 55 games. He’ll remain with the Thunderbirds for the upcoming campaign. Because of the transfer for 2027-28, Philadelphia’s signing rights for Gard will be extended.
