According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers should recall Drake Caggiula and Noah Philp from AHL Bakersfield. The team is expected to be without Connor McDavid when it travels to face the Nashville Predators on Thursday, October 31.

While awaiting news on the health of Connor McDavid, the Oilers are bringing in Drake Caggiula and Noah Philp from AHL Bakersfield.

Caggiula, a professional for nine years, last played for Edmonton on December 29, 2018.

Philp almost made the Oilers out of training camp and, at 26, awaits his…

-Elliott Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 29, 2024

The Oilers made this decision following McDavid’s injury in the first period of their 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, October 29. Head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters that McDavid would return to Edmonton for further evaluation of his lower body injury. Leaving the trip means McDavid is expected to miss Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators, and Edmonton will then return to Alberta for a road clash with the Calgary Flames.

Caggiula, 30, had an excellent training camp with the Oilers, but failed to crack the lineup. He got off to a very good start in Bakersfield, scoring two goals and three assists in five games. Caggiula is a center but could slot in on the wing assuming all centers advance one line in McDavid’s absence. He will likely occupy the fourth line with Corey Perry and Mattias Janmark.

Philp is a 26-year-old center coming out of a one-year retirement. He had an incredible training camp with the Oilers, impressing with his two-way play and work ethic. Philp looked good enough to make the team out of training camp, but Edmonton wanted to give him more ice time in professional games after his retirement.