On July 8, the Edmonton Oilers acquired Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Chargers in exchange for forward prospect Sam O’Reilly. Howard is more suitable for the NHL than Orilli and has developed further in his development, so this move makes sense for both sides. Apparently, he is not in Tampa Bay’s plan this season and will spend his time in college if he is not handed over to Edmonton. But that doesn’t mean he’s on the opening night roster or spending his entire season in the NHL.
The 21-year-old won the Hobby Baker Award last season and became a top college player in the nation, scoring 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games with Michigan State, winning top college players in the nation. He has a quick and deceptive release and has the potential to be an influential shooter at the NHL level. He was selected 31st in 2022, so he is not looking to make it to the league’s top ten right away. Individuals like Howard need time to develop and gain experience by playing in a professional environment. While he may have a solid role in the NHL right now, it would have been wise to send him to the American Hockey League (AHL) to work briefly.
Related: Oilers fans need to be patient with Ike Howard
Although he is a talented player, his defensive game requires work, especially if he wants to gain the trust of head coach Kris Knoblauch. As we saw last season, Nobrach asked his players to take responsibility for defensive responsibilities, otherwise they wouldn’t play. That was the case with Jeff Skinner last season. The Oilers’ substitute boss didn’t trust him in the defensive zone, so his health scratched 10 times, with an average career low of 13:00. Howard could not have happened. He has to have a solid playing time to develop correctly, and if he doesn’t get that in the NHL, the AHL’s work will be beneficial.
He should be in a position of success, which includes playing with skilled players who will give him a hockey in dangerous areas, allowing him to use his best power: his shot. In Sunday’s practice (October 5), Howard was on the fourth line with Adam Henrique and David Tomasek. Despite the potential of this line, he should play with more offensive organizers like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Matt Savoie, especially if Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are Linemates.
Howard enters his first professional season
Howard entered his first professional season, so it’s important to be patient with him. There is no guarantee that he will have an impact from the beginning. The NHL is a significant increase in the competition he faces for college, so there will be a learning curve and errors will occur. The question is, do you want him to make these mistakes in the NHL? Or will he learn from them in AHL? It is worrying that if Knoblauch is on the team, he will still reduce his ice time.
Oil man should not rush to his development
Last season, the Oilers should have taken the same approach as Howard. Savoie spent the AHL campaign, productive, recording 19 goals and 54 points in 66 games. Now, he is more mature and therefore has a great campsite. He is ready to produce and become a contributor to this forward group. Since the acquisition in July 2024, the organization has spent time with him and has paid off.
Howard hyped into the camp and there was a lot of hype around. Still, even if the organization lost some key departments in the offseason, the Oilers shouldn’t feel obliged to drive him to the major leagues.
Wisconsin natives can use some seasonings in the AHL and play with older players for 20 minutes each night to gain confidence. If he wants to succeed in the NHL, he needs to play in defensive games and on the board. He doesn’t have to spend the entire season in the AHL like Savoie did, but the minors will be good for him 30 to 40 games.
If he were in the opening night roster, he wouldn’t be surprised if he had struggled earlier. Continue to follow Hockey writer For all NHL content throughout the season.
