Isaac Howard, Oilers' 2025 acquisition from Tampa, set for 2026-27 after AHL seasoning

Isaac Howard, the 22-year-old forward Edmonton acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in July 2025, is entering his first full training camp with the Oilers after a developmental season split between the NHL and AHL that tested his path to a permanent roster spot.

Howard, 5'10" and 190 lbs., was drafted 31st overall by Tampa in 2022 but became a casualty of conflict with the organization. At the end of his final NCAA season at Michigan State, where he scored 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points in 37 games and won the Hobey Baker Award, Tampa planned to assign him to the AHL. Howard instead refused to sign, wanting immediate NHL opportunity like his college peers, and announced his return for another year. When he still declined to sign with Tampa, the Lightning put him on the trade market.

Stan Bowman acquired Howard for Sam O'Reilly, who was Edmonton's top prospect at the time. Howard signed a three-year entry-level contract and started the 2025-26 season on the Oilers roster, playing 17 games in October and November 2025 under coach Kris Knoblauch. On November 14, 2025, he was reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors. He was recalled later in the season for 10 additional games.

Howard's AHL stint offered a different picture than his brief NHL audition. Colin Chaulk, his Bakersfield coach, described a player who "loves being at the rink, loves being on ice, always smiling, extroverted, confident" — personality traits that may matter as much as his Hobey Baker pedigree as he competes for depth-six or middle-six ice time.

The Oilers signed Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year deal in July, signaling they view this season as a contender window. Howard's development into a usable scoring threat would deepen the forward group as the team pursues playoff positioning.