Psyched, Primed, and Playoff-Hungry: Issac Howard Says Joining the Edmonton Oilers Is a Dream Finally Realized

When the Edmonton Oilers announced the acquisition of 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner Issac Howard, the hockey world paused—and then erupted. For Howard, though, the moment wasn’t just a milestone in his young career. It was destiny.

“It’s a dream, honestly. To be in the locker room with guys I grew up watching, to put on that Oilers sweater—it’s insane,” Howard said, grinning from ear to ear in his first press conference as an Oiler. “You grow up imagining what it’s like to join a team like Edmonton. Now it’s real.”

It’s not every day that a team already stacked with stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard lands a player as electrifying and complete as Issac Howard. And yet, Edmonton—already with eyes locked firmly on the Stanley Cup—has done just that. The Oilers aren’t just bolstering their future; they’re supercharging their present.

Howard, who just completed a record-breaking junior season at Michigan Tech, not only led the NCAA in scoring but won the Hobey Baker with a staggering 86-point campaign—41 goals, 45 assists—and countless viral highlights that showcased his devastating blend of speed, finesse, and hockey IQ. His shot release is deadly. His ability to slip past defenders in transition? Practically unfair.

And now, he’s bringing that entire package to Alberta.

“I’m psyched. I’ve never been more excited in my life,” Howard said. “I feel like everything I’ve worked for—through juniors, college, USA Hockey, everything—it’s all led to this.”

That road was far from easy. After being drafted 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Howard’s rights were traded twice—first to Detroit, and now finally to Edmonton. While some might view the multiple moves as uncertainty, Howard sees it differently.

“Each stop taught me something. Tampa was where it started. Detroit gave me support and development. But Edmonton? This is where I want to grow roots,” he said.

There’s no doubt the Oilers see that same potential. Team President Jeff Jackson didn’t hold back when discussing the signing: “Issac Howard brings the kind of tenacity, skill, and energy that fits perfectly with what we’re building. He’s a young guy, but he plays like a pro.”

Indeed, Howard’s game has long mirrored some of the best in the league. His agility and edge work have drawn comparisons to Kirill Kaprizov. His nose for the net and ability to play through contact has been likened to Brad Marchand—minus the drama. But it’s his drive, that unrelenting hunger to win, that sets him apart.

That mentality is something he credits to his father, also named Issac, and his coaches over the years. “My dad always told me, ‘Skate like it’s your last shift. Play like they’re gonna take the jersey away tomorrow.’ That’s how I approach every practice, every game.”

It’s that mindset that helped Howard dominate the NCAA ranks despite being a relatively undersized winger. At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Howard is hardly the most physically imposing forward, but you wouldn’t know that from watching him play. He thrives in the corners. He finishes checks. He scores gritty goals and gorgeous ones alike.

At Michigan Tech, he wasn’t just the top player—he was the heart of the team. “You knew if we were down a goal, Issac was going to create something,” former Tech teammate Jake Krugman said. “His energy was contagious. His will to win was unmatched.”

That competitiveness won’t just help Howard adapt to the NHL—it’ll make him a problem for opposing teams from day one.

And in Edmonton, he’s entering a perfect environment to take that next step.

“Look, joining a team where Connor McDavid is your captain? That’s not pressure—it’s a blessing,” Howard said. “I’m ready to learn from the best. I just want to be a sponge. Whatever they need from me—PK, power play, second line, fourth line—I’ll do it. I’m not afraid to earn everything.”

That humility is as important to the Oilers as his scoring touch. In a locker room where culture and chemistry have been central to their resurgence, Howard’s approach is a seamless fit.

“We talked to a lot of people around Issac,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “What stood out wasn’t just his skill—it was his commitment to team goals, his respect for the game, and how coachable he is. We believe he can contribute right away, but we’re also committed to helping him grow into a star.”

Of course, the Oilers don’t need to rush him into a top-line role. With depth at forward and veterans to guide him, Howard will have the freedom to develop without the crushing weight of expectation. That said, don’t be surprised if he plays his way into bigger minutes quickly.

“He’s electric,” said McDavid after watching one of Howard’s college highlight reels. “You can tell he’s got that extra gear. Guys like that? They find a way to impact games right away.”

Howard was beaming when told of the compliment. “Just hearing my name in the same sentence as McDavid? That’s surreal. I’ll work my tail off every day to prove I belong.”

The Oilers’ fanbase, known for its passion and devotion, has already embraced their newest addition. Social media exploded after the signing, with hashtags like #HowardHype and #NextWaveOilers trending across Canada. For a franchise with a rich tradition and high expectations, Howard feels like the right player at the right time.

“I want to make the fans proud,” Howard said. “You don’t wear that Oilers crest lightly. Every shift I take, I’ll be thinking about the city behind me, the history of the organization, and the teammates beside me.”

He’s even started immersing himself in Oilers lore. “I’ve been watching old Gretzky clips, Messier too,” he said. “To know I’m putting on the same jersey they did? That’s motivation like nothing else.”

If Howard’s collegiate trajectory is any indication, the Oilers may have landed not just a prospect—but a future franchise piece. And for a team already knocking on the door of a championship, adding Howard to the fold might be the move that finally pushes it wide open.

There’s a buzz in Edmonton, and it’s not just from the July heat. It’s the feeling that something special is happening—again.

Issac Howard knows it. The fans feel it. And if his smile and energy during his first skate at Rogers Place were any indication, he’s not just psyched to be here—he’s ready to make history.

“I didn’t come here to just be a part of it,” Howard said, lacing up his skates. “I came here to win.”