“Isaac Howard Isn’t Enough: Oilers Stay Aggressive in Trade Market to Surround McDavid and Draisaitl with Championship-Caliber Talent”
The Edmonton Oilers’ offseason has been nothing short of urgent, calculated, and aggressive, with every move centered around one mission: maximizing the championship window for superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While the acquisition of Isaac Howard—a former first-round pick with a sharp scoring touch and top-six upside—has garnered attention, it is becoming increasingly clear within league circles that the Oilers’ front office knows that Howard alone won’t be enough. Edmonton remains firmly planted in the trade market, scanning the league for the right mix of veterans, playoff-tested depth, and high-impact contributors who can elevate the team beyond the “contender” label and finally deliver a Stanley Cup to the city.
Howard’s arrival via trade from Tampa Bay gave the Oilers a promising young winger, one who was once heralded as a potential future star after a stellar junior career with Team USA. But the 20-year-old remains unproven at the NHL level, and while he adds speed, energy, and potential secondary scoring, he is not the immediate game-changer the Oilers need if they want to hoist the Cup next June. General Manager Jeff Jackson and President of Hockey Operations Ken Holland appear to understand this, showing no signs of slowing down as they aggressively shop for more NHL-ready assets to bolster the team’s depth and durability.
The Oilers’ hunger in the market is understandable. With Connor McDavid entering his 10th NHL season, and Leon Draisaitl potentially just one year away from free agency, the urgency has never been higher. Edmonton’s back-to-back deep playoff runs—including their recent trip to the Stanley Cup Final—have made one thing crystal clear: the gap between a talented roster and a championship-winning one is razor-thin. They have the star power, the coaching stability, and the postseason experience. What they lack is consistency in their bottom-six forward group, defensive depth beyond the top pair, and perhaps one more high-octane winger who can either complement the McDavid-Draisaitl tandem or anchor a deadly second line.
The Oilers’ offseason so far has seen them make a series of moves to tighten the edges of their lineup. Signing Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year deal added tenacity and secondary scoring, while the additions on the coaching staff suggest a more structured, prepared team come fall. But trade rumors have only intensified in recent weeks, and sources around the league believe Edmonton is targeting at least one major piece before training camp. That could come in the form of a veteran defenseman who can handle tough minutes and penalty-killing duties, or a versatile middle-six forward capable of thriving in high-pressure situations. With several teams entering rebuild mode, or looking to shed salary, the Oilers are watching closely.
Isaac Howard may eventually develop into a reliable contributor, but as of today, he is more of a long-term asset than a present-day solution. While his skill set aligns well with Edmonton’s up-tempo style of play, he is expected to start the season in Bakersfield or in a sheltered NHL role. That leaves the onus on management to bring in proven talent that can make a tangible impact in the top nine or on the blue line immediately. Names like Adam Henrique, Anthony Duclair, and even shutdown blueliners like Radko Gudas or Nick Seeler have been loosely linked to Edmonton, though no deal has materialized yet. The message is clear: the Oilers are leaving no stone unturned.
Cap space remains an obstacle, but it’s one Edmonton appears willing to maneuver around creatively. With a few mid-tier contracts potentially movable, and some young prospects that could be part of a larger deal, the Oilers have the assets to make noise. There’s also an added sense of responsibility hovering over the front office, knowing that any misstep could cost them dearly in the long run. If Draisaitl walks next summer due to a lack of confidence in the franchise’s ability to win, it could spiral into an irreversible setback—even affecting McDavid’s long-term future in Alberta. That’s why standing pat simply isn’t an option.
There’s also an emotional toll that last season’s Stanley Cup Final loss has left on the core. Coming within three wins of hockey’s ultimate prize, only to watch it slip away, lit a new fire in Edmonton’s dressing room. McDavid, for all his generational brilliance, remains without a Cup. Draisaitl, who many believe is the best playoff performer of his generation, is still chasing that crowning achievement. Veterans like Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are as committed as ever, but they know windows close quickly in the modern NHL. That shared urgency is resonating across all levels of the organization.
Fans in Edmonton, long known for their loyalty and knowledge of the game, have responded with a mix of optimism and impatience. They see the greatness unfolding in front of them and crave the final chapter. The city’s decades-long wait for another championship since 1990 has only made the recent playoff failures sting more deeply. So, when a move like the Howard trade is announced, it’s met with cautious optimism—interesting, yes, but not yet enough. The fanbase, much like the players and management, understands that merely getting back to the Final isn’t the goal anymore. Winning is.
The Oilers’ goaltending situation will also be under a microscope this year. Stuart Skinner has grown into a dependable option, but questions remain about his ability to steal games in the postseason. Some league insiders speculate that Edmonton could be quietly monitoring the goalie market as well—especially if a veteran with playoff pedigree becomes available. Whether through a tandem arrangement or a calculated upgrade, adding stability in net could be a game-changing move.
One under-the-radar area where Edmonton may look to improve is their third defensive pairing. As much as Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm have been the cornerstones, the bottom pair struggled at times last season, particularly in transition and high-danger moments. If the Oilers want to close the defensive gap with elite teams like Florida, Colorado, or Carolina, they need more than just elite forwards—they need defensive reliability across all three pairings. The Oilers know this and are expected to be active in pursuit of a sturdy, experienced blueliner who can anchor the third pair and eat 14–17 minutes per night.
The trade market itself is expected to heat up even more as training camps approach and teams begin to finalize their rosters. Cap-strapped franchises may be forced into difficult decisions, which could play directly into Edmonton’s hands. They’ve shown a willingness to be creative, take on short-term money, and include sweeteners to get their guy. That flexibility could be the key to landing another key contributor before October.
As for McDavid and Draisaitl, both stars continue to lead by example off the ice. They’ve been deeply involved in offseason meetings, training camps, and team-building activities. Their input has helped shape Edmonton’s approach to roster construction. Both players know what it takes to win and have made it abundantly clear to management that they’re not interested in waiting. The window is now, and they’re treating every offseason as if it could be the final piece to a Cup puzzle. That sense of urgency is contagious.
Even beyond the core and management, the broader NHL community is watching. There’s a sense that if Edmonton can make the right few additions, they could become the league’s most dangerous playoff team. They’ve already proven they can beat anyone in a seven-game series. Now, it’s about sealing the deal.
Isaac Howard might one day be a 25-goal scorer in the NHL. He might carve out a long, productive career and become a staple of Edmonton’s top six in the next few years. But today, in the middle of one of the most critical offseasons in franchise history, he’s merely a footnote in a much larger plan. The Oilers need more—more scoring depth, more defensive resolve, more veteran savvy—and they’re working tirelessly to find it.
With the regular season looming and the hunger for a championship at an all-time high, don’t expect the Oilers to be done. Another move is coming. Maybe two. Because in Edmonton, the goal isn’t just to be good—it’s to be legendary. And that means giving Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl everything they need to finish what they started.
