As the NHL season nears, bettors looking for value in player prop bets should keep an eye on rookie winger Isaac Howard of the Edmonton Oilers, a potential breakout star flying under the radar. While Calder Trophy favorites like Montreal’s Ivan Demidov dominate the conversation, Howard, available at +1500 odds in some markets, could surprise as a dark horse candidate.
The 21-year-old from Wisconsin was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning but was traded to Edmonton, where his chances for NHL ice time have improved significantly. With the Oilers fresh off a Stanley Cup finals appearance, they appear ready to give Howard a genuine opportunity, as seen in early depth charts.
Early reports have Howard playing alongside Edmonton’s star Conor McDavid and Zach Heyman on the top line, making him intriguing for goal and point props. He’s also expected to skate on the second power play unit, enhancing his scoring chances. Thanks to the attention McDavid draws from defenders, Howard benefits from cleaner scoring opportunities, positioning him well for goal-scoring prop bets.
Howard has shown notable progress over his college career. After a modest freshman season at Minnesota Duluth, where he scored 17 points in 35 games, he transferred to Michigan and exploded offensively, tallying 26 goals and 26 assists in 37 games last season. He also represented Team USA at the IIHF World Championships.
To project Howard’s rookie season, consider players like Frank Vatrano or Elias Lindholm as a production floor. However, paired with McDavid, he could reach 50-60 points, similar to Dylan Guenther’s breakout season. Howard appears to be a solid bet to consistently score points throughout the season, with odds likely ranging between -125 and -190, benefiting from McDavid’s playmaking.
Fan Take: Isaac Howard’s rise could be a thrilling storyline for hockey fans, highlighting the emergence of new talent alongside established superstars like McDavid. If he fulfills his potential, it could shake up rookie award races and add exciting depth to the Oilers, making this season even more captivating for fans and bettors alike.
