In a move that was heavily speculated on days before, the Edmonton Oilers placed forward David Tomasek on waivers for the purpose of contract termination, the club announced on Sunday.
The #Oilers have placed forward Noah Philp on waivers, in addition to placing forward David Tomasek on waivers for the purpose of contract termination. pic.twitter.com/CbXfZmlsGv
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 28, 2025
What was much more surprising was that the Oilers also placed forward Noah Philp on waivers to assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Philp has battled through injuries this season, having been placed on long term injured reserve in November. When he has played, he has been good playing in a bottom-six role scoring three points (two goals, one assist) in 15 games.
The 27 year old rookie has become somewhat of a cult favourite as a local Alberta player who has faced adversity and an unusual path to the NHL. At this stage it is unclear if the Oilers plan to keep Philp in the minors long term or if they want to get him back up to speed.
ECHL and PHPA reach tentative agreement
On December 27th, the PHPA announced that they had reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the ECHL and only needs their members and the ECHL board to vote in favour of ratifying the agreement.
The Professional Hockey Players’ Association and the @ECHL announced today that a tentative deal has been reached on a new collective bargaining agreement.
— PHPA (@thephpa) December 28, 2025
The tentative agreement remains subject to ratification by the PHPA’s ECHL membership and approval by the ECHL Board of… pic.twitter.com/AJ73O1Ot0H
In the meantime, according to the PHPA "Players will report to their teams in good faith and prepare to return to play, pending ratification and approval."
This is a big step in labour peace between the ECHL and their player's association.
Tampa Bay Lightning making moves
The end of the roster freeze has been a busy time for the Tampa Bay Lightning and their general manager Julien Brisebois. He signed a blossoming piece of their defensive group locking up 25 year old J.J. Moser to an eight-year contract extension worth $6.75 million annual average value.
Through 36 games he has scored three goals, nine assists for 12 points while playing over 20 minutes a night in a top pair role for the Lightning. He has been a big piece of their blueline and looks to be a crucial part going forward.
The team also made a minor league move, trading forward Boris Katchouk to the Minnesota Wild for Michael Milne. Katchouk 27, has played 179 NHL games between the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, and Chicago Blackhawks.
Milne is 23 years old and has played only one NHL game throughout his career, for the Wild in 2024-25.