Edmonton Oilers Calling Up Isaac Howard To Make NHL Debut

The Edmonton Oilers are set to add another exciting young talent to their roster. 

According to multiple sources, the team will recall winger Isaac Howard and give him his NHL debut in Wednesday’s season opener against the Calgary Flames. 

Howard, 21, earned college hockey’s top honor last season, the Hobey Baker Award, after leading the Michigan State Spartans to a Big Ten championship with an impressive 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games.

Kris Knoblauch confirms Ike Howard will return and draw into tomorrow’s opening night lineup against the #Flames.#Oilers

— Brenden Escott (@BrendenEscott) October 7, 2025

The #Oilers have recalled forward Isaac Howard from the @Condors & loaned forward James Hamblin to Bakersfield. pic.twitter.com/dh6Sfffjdi

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 7, 2025

Oilers Recall Isaac Howard For NHL Debut Against Flames

Howard joined the Oilers in a July trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which sent center prospect Sam O’Reilly the other way after Howard failed to reach an end-of-year deal with Tampa. 

In training camp, he showcased the same drive and offensive instinct that made him a college star, tallying four points in six preseason games, matching Connor McDavid and Darnell Nurse for second on the team in scoring. 

His debut will see him compete for ice time on the left wing alongside Andrew Mangiapane and Vasily Podkolzin.

Isaac Howard is going to be so good with the Oilers pic.twitter.com/X5oPZuTpxS

— Alex Micheletti (@AlexMicheletti) September 24, 2025

This milestone marks a rapid rise for Howard, who was selected 31st overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and became the latest product of the U.S. National Team Development Program’s 2004 class to reach the league. 

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images