One of the biggest prizes for the Edmonton Oilers in a mostly-middling offseason arrived via trade. Getting heralded top prospect Isaac “Ike” Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning was billed as the crown jewel of transitioning the Oilers from having a ton of veterans, to a ton of skilled younger players. As such, the hype surrounding Howard entering training camp has been noticeable.
The major risk with the trade is that Howard has yet to play a regular season NHL game. All his potential is still just that: potential. Nothing is for real until you play the games. Fortunately, by now, Howard has played three preseason games, so let’s take a look at how he has done in those. Has he done enough to earn a roster spot?
The basic stats are okay, but not gaudy
At the time of writing this article, the Oilers just completed their third preseason game, against the Winnipeg Jets. Prior to this game, Howard’s boxcar stats were 1–1–2, -1 with two PIM. Basically, one of each of a goal, assist, minus, and minor penalty.
Tonight’s #Oilers Thoughts:
The Good:
+Ike Howard
+Noah Philp
+Matt Savoie
The No-So Good:
-Pitlick
-Griffith
-Copponi
The Bad:
-Josh Brown 💀
— Austin Hockey🍁🇨🇦 (@AustinHockeyYT) September 24, 2025
In the Jets game last night, all Howard added on to those “basic” stats was another minor infraction. In a game the Oilers won 4–0, Howard didn’t even pick up a plus-one, let alone register a point. 1–1–2 in three games still isn’t bad, but not generating anything given the circumstances isn’t inspiring.
Worse yet, with the game out of reach, Howard saw little ice time in the final 8–10 minutes of the game. He took just two shifts in that span, though he added a shot on goal to put his game total at three.
Reading between and further down the stat lines
In the three games so far, Howard has averaged 17:36 of ice time, significantly higher than other “prospects” by definition. In fact, Howard is only a few ticks behind Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic in terms of average TOI. The opportunity is being given to Howard to seize an open roster spot.
Howard’s goal was a power play tally, while the assist is his only even-strength point so far. If not incurring minus-ones for being on the ice for goals against, Howard would be a +1 through three games. That he is a -1 means he has been on the ice for one goal for at evens versus two goals against. Not ideal.
The positive is that Howard so far has the team’s only power play goal through three games. The Oilers could use more than one finisher when on the man-advantage, and maybe Howard gives PP2 a different look.
Another note is linemates; Howard started with David Tomasek and Kasperi Kapanen last night. By the end of the night, Tomasek and Kapanen had found the scoresheet, but we’re with different linemates. Finding the right line for Howard will matter quite a bit, it appears.
Where does he likely end up at the end of preseason?
With still another game to come later this weekend, and two more next week, it’s too early to declare anything sealed or over. What is clear is there’s both lots to like about Ike, and lots that can be improved upon. As was to be expected from someone getting their first taste of the NHL.
Right now, if Howard does make the cut, he projects as a middle-six winger with good scoring chops. He would likely be paired best with someone who skaters efficiently and is responsible defensively. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins feels like he might be the centre best suited for Howard’s skillset.
The AHL does still exist as an option, too, if the coaching staff feels Howard can up his even-strength game. But for right now, it’s a guarantee Howard will likely play all three of the remaining preseason games. His outing against Winnipeg last night was not his best, but it’s too soon to fully react to his play. The next three games will decide where Howard lands with this Oilers club.
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