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Oilers Weigh Options for Prospect Isaac Howard's Future
The 22-year-old forward has split time between the NHL and AHL this season, leaving the team with a decision to make.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:04am
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The Oilers face a complex decision on the future of prospect Isaac Howard, weighing his long-term potential against their short-term competitive window.Bakersfield TodayThe Edmonton Oilers have been dealing with a rash of injuries this season, leading them to call up several players from their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. One of those call-ups has been 22-year-old forward Isaac Howard, who has bounced between the NHL and minors all year. The Oilers will soon have to decide whether to keep Howard as part of their future plans or potentially trade the prospect to address more immediate roster needs.
Why it matters
Howard was acquired by the Oilers in a trade last summer and signed an entry-level deal, so the team has invested in his development. However, with the Oilers in 'win-now' mode, they may feel pressure to use Howard as a trade chip to bring in more NHL-ready talent to complement their star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The details
In 45 AHL games this season, Howard has 22 goals and 47 points, showcasing his offensive upside. But the transition to the NHL has been slower, with Howard struggling to produce consistently at the top level. The Oilers will have to weigh Howard's long-term potential against their short-term competitive window, which could lead them to either keep developing him or package him in a trade.
- Howard was called up to the Oilers multiple times throughout the 2025-26 NHL season.
- The Oilers' regular season ended in early April 2026.
The players
Isaac Howard
A 22-year-old forward who was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers in a trade last summer and has split time between the NHL and AHL this season.
Connor McDavid
The star center for the Edmonton Oilers, considered one of the best players in the NHL.
Leon Draisaitl
The star center for the Edmonton Oilers, who has formed a dominant duo with Connor McDavid.
Kris Knoblauch
The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers' AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
Matt Savoie
A rookie forward for the Edmonton Oilers who has found success playing alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.
What’s next
The Oilers will need to make a decision on Howard's future this offseason, either keeping him as part of their long-term plans or potentially trading him to address more immediate roster needs.
The takeaway
The Oilers face a dilemma with Howard - they can either continue developing the young prospect in hopes he reaches his potential, or they could trade him to bring in more NHL-ready talent to complement their star players and make a deep playoff run. The team's 'win-now' mentality may ultimately dictate how they proceed with Howard's future.
