Time to See What Isaac Howard Can Do in the Oilers’ Top Six?

The consensus feeling among analysts and insiders coming into Tuesday’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators was that, maybe, it was time to send Isaac (Ike) Howard down to the AHL to get big minutes and more experience. The logic behind that was that if he weren’t going to get big minutes and opportunities in Edmonton, he would go down until those opportunities became available.

And then, of course, Howard scored a beauty goal, his first in the NHL.

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The Oilers arguably salvaged their road trip with a win in Ottawa, but have endured a slow start to the season, going 3-3-1 through their first seven games. The team has often looked uninspired, with scoring struggles costing them points in the standings. What no one can argue is that, amidst all of that, Howard is trying to create energy and find his way.

Howard, 21, is coming into the league as a Hobey Baker award winner — a player with elite finishing skill and a clear willingness to shoot. He hasn’t always been able to pull off the moves in his head against NHL-caliber defensemen, but it’s not for a lack of trying. On Tuesday, he scored a goal-scorer’s goal, finishing off a quick one-timer from Leon Draisaitl after Connor McDavid forced a turnover.

Howard played a team-low 10:42, but clearly showed what he can do with star players.

Is It Worth Giving Howard A Look Before Potentially Demoting Him?

Head coach Kris Knoblauch and GM Stan Bowman will have to make some tough decisions by November 1. Zach Hyman is due back from injury, and Mattias Janmark should be close to returning. There is a bit of a window thanks to Kasperi Kapanen’s unexpected injury, but someone is likely going to have to go in the near future. Howard is among the easier players to move because of his contract and waiver-exempt status.

Matt Savoie’s two-way game has earned him a spot on the penalty kill, which the Oilers aren’t likely to send away. The one way Howard can earn his right to stay is by scoring, and his offensive instincts are best showcased with ultra-talented players. His blistering shot makes him a natural candidate for top-line opportunities, even if he’s not naturally a puck retriever or physical presence. Still, it might be good to see what a pure shooter can do on a line where his linemates will be setting him up.

Howard’s advanced stats support the case for at least a couple-game showcase. He ranks third on the team in shots per hour (7.07) and leads in shot attempts per hour (14.11), showing he actively creates offense. His willingness to shoot feels like a rarity on the Oilers this season. The team could use more of that.

Knoblauch has expressed confidence in the rookie’s progression, noting that he’s adapting to the NHL game and making meaningful contributions. Perhaps the coach tests what Howard’s early ceiling is.

The risk is low, but the reward could be high. If the Oilers want to break out of their early-season scoring slump, it may be time to see what Howard can do when given a real chance in the top six.

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