“Edmonton Oilers Reveal Jersey Number for Former Michigan State Star Isaac Howard as He Begins NHL Journey”
The Edmonton Oilers have officially revealed the jersey number that will be worn by their promising young prospect Isaac Howard, the former standout from Michigan State University. This announcement comes as excitement continues to build around the team’s youthful energy and new additions for the upcoming season. Howard, known for his elite speed, scoring touch, and tenacious playing style, will don the number 43 as he begins his NHL journey with one of the league’s most storied franchises. For Oilers fans, this marks another chapter in a growing youth movement that could provide critical depth to an already potent roster.
Isaac Howard’s selection of jersey number 43 may seem arbitrary at first glance, but for the 21-year-old winger, the number carries subtle significance. While he hasn’t made a major public statement on the choice, insiders familiar with Howard’s collegiate career suggest that the number represents both a fresh start and a nod to his underdog mentality—coming into a star-laden Oilers locker room as a young player eager to earn his place. The announcement of his jersey number might not be headline-making news in isolation, but for the devoted Oilers faithful and hockey analysts, it’s a signal that Howard is truly beginning to step into the next phase of his career.
Howard’s path to the NHL has been anything but conventional. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Howard later transferred from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, where he elevated his game in a big way. Under the guidance of head coach Adam Nightingale, Howard blossomed into a dynamic offensive threat, tallying 36 points in 38 games during the 2024-25 collegiate season. His performance caught the eye of several NHL scouts, and when Edmonton acquired his rights via a trade, the move was seen as a strategic play to add a highly skilled winger to their developmental pipeline.
Now, with Howard officially part of the Oilers organization and wearing number 43, the pressure to live up to expectations will intensify. The Oilers have made it no secret that they view Howard as a player who could contribute in the not-so-distant future. While he may begin the season with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate in Bakersfield to acclimate to the professional level, there’s little doubt that the team hopes he’ll make a push for NHL minutes before long. His skill set—a blend of quick acceleration, a deceptive shot, and strong hockey IQ—fits nicely into the kind of high-tempo game Edmonton likes to play, particularly when considering the caliber of players he might someday join on the top lines.
The Oilers’ decision to spotlight Howard’s jersey number is also a subtle indication of how much faith they have in his future. It’s not uncommon for top prospects to be given numbers in the 40s or 50s early in their careers, especially when they have yet to earn a permanent place on the roster. However, Oilers management and coaching staff have already spoken highly of Howard during offseason interviews and rookie camp evaluations. According to assistant general manager Brad Holland, Howard “brings a really competitive edge to his game that complements his skill set. He’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas to score goals, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for in our bottom-six right now.”
For Howard, the challenge will be translating his collegiate dominance into NHL-level effectiveness. At Michigan State, he was often the focal point of the offense, drawing the opponent’s top defenders and still finding ways to generate scoring chances. In the NHL, however, the speed of play, physicality, and decision-making required all escalate rapidly. The Oilers coaching staff will likely focus on helping Howard round out his two-way game, emphasizing positioning, puck retrieval, and responsible backchecking to earn trust and ice time. Fortunately for Howard, he’s always been a quick learner and a fierce competitor, traits that suggest he’ll adapt quicker than many expect.
The buzz around Howard isn’t limited to Edmonton. Across the NHL, his name has been floated in conversations about sleeper rookies who could make an impact if given the chance. His performance at the Oilers’ development camp did nothing to quiet the hype, as he consistently stood out in drills and scrimmages for his ability to make plays in tight spaces and push the tempo in transition. Teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and willingness to listen, all signs pointing to a young player who’s doing everything in his power to make the jump to the big leagues sooner rather than later.
There’s also the narrative aspect that fans and media love to latch onto. Howard’s transfer from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State was seen at the time as a gamble—a player trying to reset and regain confidence after a tough freshman year. What followed was a breakout season that solidified his status as one of the NCAA’s top forwards. His move to the Oilers brings that underdog story full circle, as he now finds himself surrounded by superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, yet is fighting for recognition and relevance in his own right. Wearing number 43, he’s not trying to be flashy—he’s trying to earn it.
Another aspect that makes Howard’s debut with the Oilers intriguing is the timing. Edmonton is fresh off a Stanley Cup Final appearance and enters the 2025-26 season with one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the league. Yet, as with any team aiming for sustained success, depth scoring and young contributors on entry-level contracts are vital. If Howard can develop quickly and provide value from the third or fourth line—or even challenge for top-six minutes in the event of injuries—he could prove to be a key puzzle piece in Edmonton’s championship aspirations.
The Oilers’ development staff has been careful not to rush prospects in recent years, instead opting to give them time to grow in the AHL. That said, Howard’s timeline might be accelerated depending on his preseason performance. If he continues to impress during training camp and preseason games, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him make the opening night roster, or at least be among the first call-ups. His versatility to play both wings, combined with his fearless style, makes him an ideal candidate to fill multiple roles should the need arise.
From a marketing standpoint, the Oilers are also embracing the new wave of talent like Howard. With McDavid and Draisaitl continuing to lead the team on the ice, the franchise understands the importance of developing homegrown stars who can provide longevity and value. Howard’s journey from NCAA breakout star to NHL hopeful is the kind of story that resonates with fans, particularly those who appreciate hard work and perseverance over pedigree. The announcement of his jersey number has already sparked conversations on social media, with fans curious to see what the rookie can bring to the table.
As training camp draws closer, all eyes will be on Isaac Howard and how he responds to the challenges ahead. The Oilers have created an environment that fosters both development and competitiveness, and Howard will be expected to thrive within that framework. Whether number 43 becomes iconic in Edmonton lore is yet to be determined, but for now, it symbolizes a fresh beginning, a player on the rise, and a franchise that continues to blend its elite core with new blood in pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize.
Howard himself has remained humble and focused in interviews, repeatedly expressing gratitude for the opportunity and emphasizing his commitment to improving every day. That mentality, combined with his natural talent and competitive fire, bodes well for his chances of carving out a meaningful role in the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers didn’t bring him in just to fill out their roster—they believe in his potential to contribute, and now, with a number on his back and a goal in his heart, Isaac Howard is ready to begin the most important chapter of his hockey career.
