If you are like me and many other fans of the Edmonton Oilers, you were shocked when the team posted on X this morning.
The #Oilers have placed forward Zach Hyman on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) & recalled forward David Tomasek from the @Condors. pic.twitter.com/Mp8oEIVAbI
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 7, 2025
The gist of the post is that the team has placed injured forward Zach Hyman on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and recalled forward David Tomasek from the American Hockey League (AHL) Bakersfield Condors.
However, if you remember, yesterday the Oilers demoted both Tomasek and rookie Ike Howard to the Condors. Could that actually mean that the club plans to keep Howard down to start the 2025-26 season in the AHL?
Why did the Oilers not recall Ike Howard?
Although possible, in order for the Oilers to gain the full effects of the paper transaction of sending Howard and Tomasek down and Hyman on LTIR, they cannot recall Howard until after 3:00 pm.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed on Tuesday that Howard will be in the lineup for Wednesday's season opener against their Battle of Alberta rival, the Calgary Flames.
Kris Knoblauch confirms Ike Howard will return and draw into tomorrow’s opening night lineup against the #Flames.#Oilers
— Brenden Escott (@BrendenEscott) October 7, 2025
He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round 31st overall at the 2022 NHL Draft. The Oilers acquired him this summer in a deal that sent Oilers 2024 first round pick Sam O'Reilly the other way.
Howard has become one of the league's top prospects being named amongst the top 25 NHL prospects according to NHL network earlier this month. They ranked him No. 19.
When Howard plays in Wednesday's game, it will be the first NHL game of Howard's career as he looks to build off his MVP season in the NCAA, winning the Hobey Baker award. He leads an exciting crop of rookies like Matt Savoie, Noah Philp, and Tomasek who add a ton of depth to the Oilers forward group.