The Edmonton Oilers have a new перспективный forward in their ranks: Isaac "Ike" Howard. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O'Reilly, the move finalizes weeks of speculation linking Howard to the Oilers. Howard, who prefers to be called "Ike," expressed his excitement about joining the Oilers, stating that he feels it's the right fit for him.
Howard's offensive prowess is a major reason why Oilers fans are excited about this acquisition. Last season with Michigan State University, he showcased his scoring touch by netting 26 goals and providing 26 assists, totaling 52 points in 37 games. That impressive performance translated to a 1.41 points-per-game average. His outstanding play led to him winning the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, an honor given to the most outstanding player in NCAA men's hockey. He became the third Spartan to receive the award, joining Kip Miller (1990) and Ryan Miller (2001).
Prior to his time at Michigan State, Howard played for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Before his collegiate career, he spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP), playing on both the U17 and U18 teams. With the U17s, he scored 27 goals and added 27 assists in just 34 games.
Born on March 30, 2004, in Hudson, Wisconsin, the 21-year-old Howard is listed as a left winger, standing at 5'11" and weighing 190 lbs.
Oilers General Manager Ken Holland has signed Howard to a three-year entry-level contract. There is a possibility that Howard could crack the NHL roster this year.
Howard also has a history of success on the international stage. He won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2025 World Hockey Championship. He also secured a gold medal at the U20 World Junior Championship. In that tournament, he led with seven goals and even scored the championship-winning goal.
During his introductory press conference, Howard said that he has watched every Oilers playoff game over the last couple of years and is impressed by the team's high-paced, skilled, and fast style of play. He believes his work ethic aligns well with the team's philosophy, further fueling his excitement about joining the Oilers. Howard will wear #53 with the Oilers, a number previously worn by Jeff Skinner.
While expectations are high, it's important to remember that Howard has yet to play a professional game. Transitioning from college to the NHL requires adjustment, and it remains to be seen how quickly Howard can adapt to the speed and physicality of the league. Some analysts suggest that he might need some time to fine-tune his defensive game.
