Despite being billed as one of the top prospects heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, Isaac Howard had a relatively disappointing rookie campaign.
After capturing the Hobey Baker award as the NCAA Most Valuable Player, Howard was ready to turn pro but was clearly not going to get a legitimate shot with the team that drafted him, the Tampa Bay Lightning. So, the Lightning were forced to shop Howard. Eventually, the Edmonton Oilers stepped forward and the two clubs swapped former first round picks as the Oilers dealt Sam O'Reilly to the Lightning for Howard, one-for-one.
Despite seeming like a steal for the Oilers at the time, one year out the trade seems very much up in the air. Howard struggled, playing only 29 NHL games with the Oilers, scoring two goals and three assists. At the American Hockey League level, with the Bakersfield Condors, Howard played in 47 games, scoring 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points.
Meanwhile, O'Reilly started the year on the injured list before returning to the London Knights lineup, then being traded to the eventual Memorial Cup champions, the Kitchener Rangers. In addition to the Memorial Cup win, O'Reilly won Memorial Cup MVP, OHL Playoffs MVP, and was named the OHL's most outstanding player of the year.
Now, as we approach next season, the Oilers will be getting a new boss behind the bench, which they are expected to name Mike Babcock next week. This could give Howard a fresh start, allowing him to have a breakout year next season.
Oilers can help Howard bounce back
Howard will come into the next year with a clean slate, something that can help him. He also has his first professional season behind him and has established some chemistry with various players within the organization.
In addition to the NHL this past year, it took Howard a couple seasons to really get his legs under him at the NCAA level, going from 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 35 games. To 36 points (8 goals, 28 assists) in his second last season to finally, 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games.
Next season, Howard should be able to push into a more solidified role within the Oilers' top nine forward lines. Last season, Howard played less than 45 minutes combined between Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Putting him in a position to do what he does best, scoring goals and generating offence. Putting him higher in the lineup, although will surely stack him against top competition, it will allow him much more opportunity to score.
If the Oilers can add Howard as a reliable secondary scoring player and extract value from him on his entry-level contract, it will be a win-win.
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