Oilers' Isaac Howard's Setback Doesn't Answer the Bigger Question

Sometimes the hardest part of being a young player in the NHL isn't getting your opportunity. It's making the most of it once you get there. Edmonton Oilers forward Isaac Howard was beginning to do just that when an unfortunate knee injury interrupted his season. Now, he'll be watching from the sidelines for a couple of weeks.

Head coach Mike Babcock offered some encouraging news Tuesday, saying Howard's injury isn't considered serious. That's a relief. At 22, Howard has plenty of hockey ahead of him, and the last thing the Oilers need is to rush a young player back before he's ready. Howard's situation is worth remembering, though. Young players don't always develop in a straight line.

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Howard Was Beginning to Find His Footing with the Oilers.

Howard has recorded one goal and two assists in 13 games this season. Those aren't numbers that will jump off the page, particularly on a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl producing at such a high level. But that's probably not the best way to judge what Howard brings to Edmonton.

He's still learning what it takes to play regularly at this level. The speed, the physical demands, and the split-second decisions are all part of that education. Every game gives him another opportunity to become more comfortable. Last season, Howard managed five points in 29 games. This season, he's already shown progress in fewer appearances.

That's encouraging, even if nobody should get carried away with a handful of early-season performances. The important thing is that Howard was getting NHL experience. A couple of weeks away interrupts that process, but it doesn't erase what he's learned.

Howard's Absence Opens a Door for Someone Else.

Filip Hallander is expected to step into the fourth-line right-wing position while Howard recovers. That's another part of the story worth watching. Every injury creates a chance for somebody else. Hallander gets a chance to show what he can contribute, while the Oilers get a look at another option in their forward group.

But Howard's absence shouldn't become a referendum on whether he belongs in Edmonton. He's a young player still working toward establishing himself, and development takes patience.

Oilers fans have seen enough hockey to know that not every promising young player arrives fully formed. Sometimes the player who eventually becomes an important contributor needs time, a few detours, and opportunities to learn.

Right Now, Howard’s Job Is to Recover from His Injury.

For Howard, the immediate priority is getting healthy. When he returns, he'll have another chance to build on what he started.

That's not a bad place to be. And for a young player trying to find his NHL footing, a short interruption doesn't have to change the direction of the journey.

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