Isaac Howard has returned to the Edmonton Oilers after spending six weeks with the Bakersfield Condors. The 21-year-old, who won the Hobey Baker Award last season at Michigan State with an impressive 26 goals and 26 assists in 37 games, was signed by Edmonton in July after being acquired from Tampa Bay on a three-year contract. He played 17 NHL games to start the season, recording 2 goals and 1 assist, but was then sent down to Bakersfield due to the Oilers’ deep forward lineup.
Howard embraced the opportunity to develop in the AHL, appreciating the increased ice time and power play experience that allowed him to adjust to professional hockey without the intense pressure of playing alongside stars like Connor McDavid. In Bakersfield, he scored 10 goals and had 13 assists in just 16 games, showing significant growth and confidence. Howard described the league as an excellent environment for development, where he could make mistakes and learn.
His time in the AHL helped him become more experienced and calm under pressure, improving his puck handling and overall composure. With strong performances from teammates like Quinn Hutson also earning NHL call-ups, Howard’s return to Edmonton comes with the challenge of adapting to reduced ice time as a bottom-six forward, playing 8-12 minutes per game rather than the 18-20 minutes he enjoyed in the AHL. He acknowledges this change but feels ready for the test, having gained valuable insights and patience during his stint in Bakersfield.
The Oilers don’t expect Howard to be a star immediately but hope he becomes a reliable contributor who plays smart, stays calm, and seizes scoring chances when they arise. His first NHL experience showed promise, and his time in Bakersfield demonstrated his ability to dominate when given the chance. Now, his challenge is to build on these experiences and make a lasting impact in the NHL.
Howard was recalled after proving himself in the AHL, demonstrating how a player’s development path should work. Whether this success will translate into a steady NHL career remains to be seen, but he has taken the right steps so far.
Fan Take: Isaac Howard’s journey underscores the importance of player development leagues like the AHL in shaping NHL-ready talents. For hockey fans, his progress highlights the patience and effort required behind the scenes, promising exciting potential for the Oilers’ future lineup and showing the sport’s evolving pathway for young players.
