Scribe Suggests ‘Fans Shouldn’t Discount Trade Involving Howard’

Allan Mitchell’s latest analysis in The Athletic posed a surprising but interesting suggestion around Edmonton Oilers prospect Ike Howard — specifically, whether the young winger could factor into trade discussions as the 2025-26 deadline approaches.

Mitchell outlines a scenario that largely hinges on how the Oilers’ forward group evolves over the coming months. With Matthew Savoie pushing into a more prominent role — even earning five-on-five minutes alongside Connor McDavid — Edmonton suddenly has internal competition in its top nine. Assuming Savoie stays where he is and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is moved to a third-line center role, there may be room for Howard.

Mitchell writes:

“If Howard shows well in Bakersfield, he’ll force a recall. If Savoie proves he can stay on the McDavid line, it might shake loose Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the No. 3 centre job when healthy. That would be an ideal situation for Howard. It would mean fading a veteran, but the development of the rookie is important. He could be a key scorer in the playoffs if the coaches trust Howard by then.”

However, Mitchell also suggests there’s a scenario where it doesn’t pan out this way. He notes:

Howard won’t be traded if he pops offensively. If he’s only mildly effective, “Another NHL team may have what Edmonton needs heading to the deadline, with a top prospect like Howard the ask. The Oilers’ top prospects are Savoie and Howard, with Savoie establishing himself as a foundation piece currently.”