Isaac Howard Declines Michigan State Return, Chooses to Sign With Edmonton Oilers and Begin Professional Hockey Journey in NHL
In a move that signals a major career transition and a significant organizational milestone, highly regarded forward Isaac Howard has officially signed with the Edmonton Oilers, forgoing a return to Michigan State University. The 21-year-old winger, originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning and later acquired by Edmonton in a trade, has decided the time is right to turn pro. This decision marks a crucial step in Howard’s development and could have important implications for both his career trajectory and the Oilers’ immediate plans.
For Howard, the signing is more than just a formality—it’s the culmination of years of development, sacrifice, and relentless drive to reach the NHL. For Edmonton, it represents a calculated investment in a young, dynamic scorer who may soon become a valuable piece in their pursuit of long-term success. The move also sends a message that the organization is serious about building depth and injecting young energy into a roster stacked with star power.
The decision did not come lightly. Sources close to Howard say he weighed his options carefully, considering one more season in the NCAA with Michigan State before ultimately choosing to take the next step. This choice, which came after extensive discussions with his family, advisors, and Edmonton management, signals a readiness to embrace the challenges and opportunities of professional hockey.
Isaac Howard made waves during his time with Michigan State, where he transferred after a freshman season at Minnesota Duluth. With the Spartans, he thrived under a system that valued offensive creativity and tempo. Howard posted a strong sophomore season with double-digit goals and assists, becoming one of the top offensive producers in the Big Ten Conference.
His speed, vision, and lethal wrist shot quickly made him a standout on a Michigan State team that surprised many with its competitiveness. By midseason, scouts across the NHL had begun to circle back on Howard’s potential. Despite being a few years removed from his 2022 draft selection, his performance reignited talk about his NHL readiness.
His return to Michigan State for a junior year was widely speculated, especially after head coach Adam Nightingale publicly expressed interest in retaining his star forward for another collegiate run. Howard, by all accounts, enjoyed his time in East Lansing and appreciated the development he received there. But the lure of the NHL and a clear path to pro minutes proved too powerful to ignore.
Since acquiring Howard from Tampa Bay as part of a package deal that centered on future development, the Edmonton Oilers have made no secret of their belief in his potential. Team executives praised his progression in college and expressed optimism about his eventual NHL impact.
With the signing now official, Howard is expected to join Edmonton’s training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season. While it’s uncertain whether he will crack the opening night roster, the Oilers plan to give him every opportunity to compete for a spot. If he doesn’t make the NHL roster out of camp, a start with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL is on the table, where he would receive heavy minutes in a top-six role.
The Oilers are hopeful Howard’s offensive instincts and skating ability will translate quickly to the pro game. He has been described as a “zone-entry machine,” capable of carrying the puck with speed and creating chances off the rush. In a league where pace and transition offense are paramount, Howard could become an ideal fit alongside Edmonton’s high-tempo system.
Additionally, his potential as a power-play threat has intrigued the coaching staff. He’s shown a knack for finding space and unleashing his shot, traits that could serve him well on Edmonton’s second power-play unit. While it’s unlikely he sees major special-teams time early in his rookie campaign, his skillset makes him a natural candidate to grow into that role.
Despite the excitement surrounding his signing, Howard’s path to NHL success won’t be without obstacles. The jump from NCAA hockey to the NHL is considerable, and many promising players have struggled to adjust to the speed, physicality, and structure of the pro game.
Howard’s size—5-foot-10 and just under 180 pounds—means he will need to continue building strength to withstand the rigors of a full NHL season. Furthermore, while his offensive upside is clear, his defensive game will require refinement. Edmonton’s coaching staff has emphasized accountability and structure, particularly among young players.
However, Howard’s work ethic and coachability have never been in question. Those close to him describe a player willing to put in the extra hours on and off the ice, constantly working to refine his game. His time in the NCAA helped round out his defensive awareness, and he’s well aware of the adjustments required to stick at the next level.
The Oilers also understand the value of patience. The organization has been increasingly careful about how it handles top prospects, especially after learning from previous rushed development experiences. If Howard requires time in the AHL, Edmonton is prepared to let him acclimate and dominate at that level before making the leap.
News of Howard’s signing reportedly resonated well in the Oilers’ locker room, where veterans like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have taken active roles in mentoring young talent. Both players have been known to provide guidance to rookies during training camp and throughout the season, and Howard will likely benefit from their presence.
Zach Hyman, in particular, could serve as a model for Howard. Hyman carved out a successful NHL career through sheer determination and responsible play, combining offensive skill with relentless effort. Howard, with his natural scoring instincts and commitment to improvement, may find inspiration in how Hyman evolved from a college standout to a core NHL player.
The presence of a strong leadership group in Edmonton should help Howard’s transition. The Oilers are looking to establish a culture of professionalism and accountability, and having young players immersed in that environment from day one is crucial.
Howard’s decision to sign also speaks to a broader shift in the Oilers’ organizational philosophy. After years of struggling with depth and prospect development, the team has placed a renewed emphasis on building from within. Recent drafts, targeted trades, and development strategies point to a franchise attempting to correct previous mistakes.
Bringing in high-upside prospects like Howard, and allowing them the time and support to grow, is part of a larger blueprint to extend Edmonton’s competitive window. The Oilers have seen what happens when they over-rely on their stars. Now, with prospects like Howard ready to contribute, they aim to build a more balanced and sustainable contender.
With his contract signed, Isaac Howard is officially an Edmonton Oiler. The pressure, expectations, and spotlight are only beginning, but so is the opportunity. His decision to forego a return to Michigan State represents a confident step forward—a belief in his ability to contribute at the highest level and an acknowledgment that the time to start that journey is now.
Howard will have plenty to prove when training camp opens, but he’s entering an organization eager to see what he can become. Whether he makes the NHL roster immediately or spends time in the AHL refining his game, the Oilers are committed to his development.
And for Howard, the road ahead is full of possibility. With his combination of skill, speed, and determination, he may soon prove that his choice to sign was not only the right one for his career but also a pivotal move in Edmonton’s ongoing pursuit of Stanley Cup glory.
