Expectations for Edmonton Oilers’ Isaac Howard for the 2025–26 season

In the next iteration of this series we look at the newly acquired prospect Isaac Howard. Howard was recently ranked second best Oilers prospect by the writers at the Oil Rig, and is largely expected to make Edmonton’s club right out of training camp.

With all of that being said, what does the NCAA product need to do to have a successful season at the NHL level?

Lets take a look.

Step 1: Block out the noise and pressure

Yes Howard had a great season as a high end finisher for Michigan State last year. Yes he won the Hobey Baker. Could he be a Calder candidate? Yes. Everyone in the media and fanbase sees him as an instant NHL shoo-in. All of this can generate to a lot of pressure on the young player.

All of this success and hype won’t instantly mean he translates to NHL success. Jumping from the NCAA to the NHL will be a big jump talent and lifestyle wise, which can be challenging for some young players.

Howard has a lot of habits in his game that worked very well at the NCAA level, but will need more refinement at the NHL level. Particularly around his hockey sense, decision making and puck management. If the American forward can work on these areas of the game he will be in a good position to succeed.

He needs to continue to build on his successful 2024–25 campaign.

Step 2: Have a good training camp

Although it’s a foregone conclusion that Howard has already made the Oilers, a bad training camp, or a preseason injury could change that narrative. Howard faces a lot of competition from within the Oilers system for roster spots.

Does he have what it takes to outperform that competition? Absolutely. He just needs to show it. He along with fellow prospect Savoie stand as favourites to be first year Oilers entering the 2025–26 season.

Step 3: Set a good first impression

After training camp, Howard needs to prove himself as a capable offensive finisher. The NCAA alumni has proven at the college level that he can score, and with growth his positioning, awareness, and deadly shot itself should allow him to find the scoresheet.

Howard is a player who is completely defined by his ability to score and finish plays set up for him.

His effectiveness and productivity will be hurt drastically if he starts in the Oilers bottom six.

The best fit for Howard on the current Oilers squad is as a complimentary finisher. For this reason he could be the finisher Connor McDavid has yet to have in Edmonton, and in this role he could find immeasurable success.

With likely Zach Hyman serving as the grit-net front presence, McDavid as the playmaker, and Howard as the sniper and scorer, that could be the top line in the National Hockey League.

As McDavid’s wingman, Howard could pot as many as 65 to 70 points in his first season. Realistically expect this number to be around 55 though.

If the young forward finds chemistry with Hyman and McDavid even better.

If he plays alongside McDavid, and stays out of the Oilers bottom-six, it is quite feasible that he gets at the very least a Calder nomination.

What makes a successful season for Howard?

Simply the 5’11” forward needs to find score sheet success. The Hobey Baker winner’s game in his own zone and in the harder skill areas of the game is still very much a work in progress.

He can leverage his quality skating, shooting, and moderate compete level to find success.

If everything goes well, in an ideal season for Howard he finds the scoresheet up to 70 times, and becomes a possible Calder candidate.

More growth in senses, and physicality will better round out his game as well.

One element that Oilers fans will look forward to this season will be just how feasible Howard’s game compliments the Oilers top-stars.

If Howard figures out some of his shortcomings, this would add extra layers to his already solid offensive game that could bode very well for the organization long term. Ideally Howard could be a point per game player in the future.

Howard could also be a central element to the Oilers first line for the future.

NHL potential: top-six forward

2025–26 predictions: 50–55 points (conservative)

What do you think Howard has to do to have a successful season?