Isaac Howard did not quite have the immediate impact that many Edmonton Oilers fans had hoped for this season.

The 21-year-old rookie showed flashes of his offensive talent, but could not quite get things moving consistently. Howard scored his first two NHL goals in his first taste of pro hockey, totalling just three points in 17 games.

With Zach Hyman getting healthy and returning to the roster, Oilers management decided to send Howard down to the AHL to marinate a little longer. It was an expected move and one that made sense for the reigning Hobey Baker winner. His skill is obvious, but it hasn’t quite adjusted to the NHL speed.

Early returns have been fantastic on this decision, as Howard has been lighting it up with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, scoring two goals and adding seven points in his first four games.

Tic-tac-toe🥶🧊#Condorstown pic.twitter.com/2qgtpFzbA3

— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) November 19, 2025

Howard is already tied for ninth in Condors scoring this season, passing several players who have played 10 or more games. This is a good sign for the Oilers, as they would ideally see more of the Ice Man in the NHL later this season.

He needed to get his confidence up after a slow start to his NHL career, and a torrid stint in the AHL should do wonders for that. At the very least, it shows that Howard’s game can translate to the pro game at some level.

Serving up your Player of the Week🍕#Condorstown | @littlecaesars pic.twitter.com/9eCAonbPIr

— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) November 24, 2025

That is how it goes for some players, even some of the best. Leon Draisaitl also had an unspectacular start to his NHL career, notching just two goals and nine points in 37 games during his rookie season. Edmonton opted to send him back to junior that year and even started him in the AHL the following season before coming up after six games.

Howard may never reach the heights that Draisaitl has, but it’s a testament that every player’s path is different. What we have seen is a player with elite offensive instincts, and if he can figure out a way to get things clicking at the NHL level, he could be a dangerous weapon for the Oilers later this season.

Time will tell.