Report: Flames close to signing Luke Philp to entry-level deal

While the Calgary Flames work to cement a potential division title on the ice, they’re working on adding some depth to the organization as well. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Flames are closing in on an entry-level deal with University of Alberta Golden Bears star forward Luke Philp.

Under the terms of the CBA, the 23-year-old Philp would be agreeing to a two-year entry-level deal which would presumably kick in for the 2019-20 season.

Philp is an unusual success story of a player that took the scenic route to pro hockey. A product of Canmore, he played his junior hockey primarily with the Kootenay Ice but also spent time with the Red Deer Rebels. In 264 WHL games he had 103 goals and 251 points. But he wasn’t drafted by an NHL club, so he opted to head to university. His exploits continued, as he had 103 points over three seasons with the University of Alberta.

Flat out, he’s been one of the best players in Canadian collegiate hockey over the past several seasons.

He’s not huge, listed at 5’10” and 180 pounds, but the right-shot forward was a strong offensive contributor throughout his WHL career and continued to produce in college. He’s earned the chance to see if he can take on the challenge of pro hockey.