Oilers Need to Find Out What They Have in Isaac Howard

The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026-27 season with an obvious need for another shooting winger in their top six. They could eventually address that weakness through a major trade, but the most sensible first step is determining whether Isaac Howard can fill the position internally.

Howard’s first professional season produced conflicting results. He recorded only two goals and five points in 29 games with Edmonton, but dominated at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with 24 goals and 50 points in 47 games for the Bakersfield Condors. That contrast creates an important question: Is Howard ready to become a productive NHL scorer, or is he simply an excellent AHL player who requires more development?

The Oilers will not find the answer by returning him to Bakersfield indefinitely or placing him on the fourth line. They need to give Howard a legitimate opportunity in their top six.

Howard Has Proven Himself in Bakersfield

Howard entered professional hockey with an impressive offensive resume. The Tampa Bay Lightning selected him 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and he eventually developed into one of college hockey’s best players.

During his final season at Michigan State University, Howard recorded 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games. His performance earned him the 2025 Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top men’s player. Edmonton subsequently acquired him from Tampa Bay for fellow first-round prospect Sam O’Reilly.

Howard carried that production into the AHL. He averaged 1.06 points per game for Bakersfield and was named to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team. His 50 points were impressive, but his 24 goals are more relevant to Edmonton’s current needs. The Oilers already possess elite playmakers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. What they lack is another winger who consistently moves into scoring areas and finishes the opportunities those centres create. Howard’s track record suggests shooting and scoring are two of his strongest attributes.

Another extended AHL assignment would give him additional minutes, but it may produce diminishing returns. Howard has already demonstrated that he can generate offence against AHL competition. Repeating that performance would not answer whether he can translate those skills into an NHL top-six role.

Howard’s NHL Numbers Require Context

Howard’s five points in 29 NHL games cannot simply be ignored. A 14-point pace across 82 games would not be enough to justify a regular place beside McDavid or Draisaitl. However, his usage must be considered before drawing a conclusion.

Howard averaged approximately 10 minutes per game during his NHL appearances. In November 2025, the Oilers sent him to Bakersfield after he had recorded two goals and one assist in 17 games while averaging only 9:30 of ice time. That is not an ideal environment for evaluating an offence-first prospect. Fourth-line players receive fewer shifts, fewer offensive-zone opportunities and less time with skilled linemates. They are also frequently asked to play a low-risk style that may not match the qualities that made them successful at lower levels.

Howard recorded 36 shots in his 29 NHL games and scored on only 5.6% of them. That percentage is far below what would be expected from a player who scored 50 goals across his final NCAA season and first AHL campaign. It could indicate difficulty finishing against NHL goaltenders, but the sample is too small to make that determination.

A shooting winger needs repetition. Howard must learn how quickly NHL defenders close space, where scoring lanes develop and how to position himself when McDavid or Draisaitl attacks with possession. Those adjustments can only be made while playing with NHL talent.

Edmonton Should Give Howard a Defined Top-Six Trial

The Oilers do not need to guarantee Howard a permanent top-six position. They should instead give him a clearly defined trial of approximately 15 to 20 games. During that period, Howard should receive consistent minutes alongside either McDavid or Draisaitl, rather than moving throughout the lineup after every mistake. He should also receive time on the second power-play unit, where his shot could become a focal point.

The purpose would be evaluation, not immediate production. Edmonton should monitor more than goals and assists. Howard’s ability to create shots, enter the offensive zone with control, recover loose pucks and find open space away from the puck would provide a more complete indication of whether he belongs.

His performance during Edmonton’s final regular-season homestand offered a small example of this approach. After producing 47 points in 45 AHL games, Howard was recalled and placed in the top six alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jack Roslovic. The Oilers need to provide that type of opportunity for more than one game. Young scorers rarely develop through occasional promotions followed by immediate demotions.

Howard’s Contract Increases His Importance

Howard’s entry-level contract carries a cap hit of approximately $973,000 in each of the next two seasons. He will remain under Edmonton’s control as a restricted free agent when the deal expires in 2028. That cost control is extremely valuable. Edmonton has significant money committed to McDavid, Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, Jake Walman and several veteran forwards. The easiest way to maintain a deep roster is by developing inexpensive players who can outperform their contracts.

If Howard becomes a 20-goal winger while earning less than $1 million, he would provide the type of surplus value every contender needs. It could also prevent Edmonton from surrendering another first-round pick or premium prospect for a deadline rental. The Oilers should therefore view Howard as more than another player competing for a roster spot. His development could directly influence their trade-deadline strategy.

Trading Howard Should Be the Final Option

Howard would carry meaningful value in trade negotiations. He is a recent Hobey Baker winner, a first-round selection and a point-per-game AHL player on an inexpensive contract. If Edmonton pursues an established scorer, other teams will understandably ask for him.

That does not mean he should be untouchable. The Oilers are operating within a limited championship window and cannot refuse to move prospects under every circumstance. However, Howard should only be included in a trade for a young, proven top-six player with contractual control. Moving him for an older rental would be a major gamble. Edmonton could receive only a few months from the acquired player while watching Howard develop into an affordable scorer elsewhere.

The organization must also avoid creating a circular roster-building problem. Trading its best shooting prospect to acquire a shooting winger would address the immediate weakness but eliminate one of its few internal long-term solutions.

Oilers Need an Answer Before the Deadline

The opening months of the 2026-27 season should function as Howard’s audition. If he succeeds in the top six, Edmonton could preserve its trade assets and direct its deadline resources toward another need. If he struggles despite receiving appropriate minutes and linemates, management would have stronger evidence that outside help is necessary.

Sending Howard directly to Bakersfield would be the safest decision, but it would not be the most informative one. Using him exclusively in a fourth-line role would be equally unproductive.

Howard has already proven he can score in college and the AHL. The next stage is determining whether his shot and offensive instincts can complement Edmonton’s elite centres. Before using him as the centrepiece of a blockbuster trade, the Oilers owe themselves the opportunity to find out.