The consensus feeling among analysts and insiders heading into Tuesday’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators was that it might be time to send Isaac (Ike) Howard to the AHL to get big minutes and more experience. The logic behind that was that if he didn’t get big minutes and opportunities in Edmonton, he would drop until those opportunities became available.
And then, of course, Howard scored a beauty goal, his first in the NHL.
The Oilers likely saved their road trip with a win in Ottawa, but have endured a slow start to the season, going 3-3-1 in their first seven games. The team often looked uninspired, with scoring problems costing them points in the standings. What no one can argue is that in the midst of all this, Howard is trying to create energy and find his way.
Howard, 21, enters the league as a Hobey Baker Award winner – a player with elite finishing skills and a clear willingness to shoot. He hasn’t always been able to execute the moves in his head against NHL-caliber defensemen, but that’s not for a lack of trying. On Tuesday, he scored a scorer’s goal, finishing off a quick one-timer by 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 taking a look at Howard before potentially demoting him?
Head coach Kris Knoblauch and general manager Stan Bowman will have some tough decisions to make before November 1. Zach Hyman is back from injury and Mattias Janmark is close to returning. There is still a small chance thanks to Kasperi Kapanen’s unexpected injury, but someone will probably have to leave in the near future. Howard is one of the easier players to move due to his contract and waiver status.
Matt Savoie’s two-way play has earned him a spot on the penalty box, which the Oilers are unlikely to move away from. The only way Howard can earn his right to stay is by scoring, and his attacking instincts are best displayed against ultra-talented players. His blistering shot makes him a natural candidate for top prospects, even though he is not a natural 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 line him up.
Howard’s advanced stats support the case for at least a two-game showcase. He is in third place of the team in shots per hour (7.07) and ahead in shot attempts per hour (14.11), showing that he is actively creating offense. His willingness to shoot feels like a rarity for the Oilers this season. The team could use more of that.
Knoblauch expressed confidence in the rookie’s progress, noting that he is adapting to NHL play and making meaningful contributions. Maybe the coach is testing what Howard’s early ceiling is.
The risk is low, but the reward can be high. If the Oilers want to break their early-season scoring slump, it might be time to see what Howard can do if given a real opportunity in the top six.
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