“TRAILBLAZING THE FUTURE: Oilers’ Isaac Howard Embraces the Legacy of McGroarty and Gauthier as He Charts His Own Electrifying Path to NHL Greatness”
Isaac Howard has never been afraid to carve his own path. And yet, the trail he now walks as a rising talent in the Edmonton Oilers organization finds itself illuminated by the shadows of those who came before—Rutger McGroarty and Cutter Gauthier, two American-born forwards who turned promise into performance and became models of what the modern power-forward prototype can look like in today’s National Hockey League. For Howard, the comparisons are flattering, but also fuel for a fire that has burned inside him since he first laced up skates.
Selected in the 2022 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Howard’s journey has not been without detours. After stints at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Michigan State, and a challenging period of development that tested his patience and perseverance, Howard’s rights were acquired by the Edmonton Oilers—an organization already rich with elite talent but increasingly committed to infusing youth, speed, and a distinct American flavor into its ranks. Now, as Howard begins to assert himself within Edmonton’s developmental system, the echoes of McGroarty’s poise and Gauthier’s grit offer both inspiration and instruction.
What makes the trio so comparable is not just their nationality or draft pedigree—it’s the style of play, the attitude, and the impact they have when they’re locked in. McGroarty, with his relentless motor and scoring instincts, carved out a leadership role with the U.S. National Team Development Program and has since earned acclaim for his blend of finesse and physicality. Gauthier, meanwhile, has become synonymous with powerful zone entries, explosive release, and a fearless approach to big-game moments. For Howard, watching their trajectories has provided a blueprint—but also a challenge to raise his own bar.
Howard’s game is predicated on speed, edge work, and an offensive flair that has always made him a magnet for highlight-reel attention. His international performances with Team USA showcased his ability to impact games in high-pressure situations, drawing comparisons to the confidence and swagger that McGroarty and Gauthier brought to similar stages. Yet, Howard knows that flair alone isn’t enough. “It’s about doing it every shift, every game,” he recently said during rookie development camp in Edmonton. “Guys like Rutger and Cutter—what they’ve done isn’t just about skill. It’s about consistency, leadership, and buying into a team identity. That’s what I’m chasing.”
The Oilers have taken notice. With an eye toward the future, Edmonton has increasingly emphasized internal development and long-term roster sustainability, especially as the core of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl enters its championship window. Howard, seen as a low-risk, high-upside acquisition, brings versatility and offensive upside at a position of need—particularly as the Oilers look to add more scoring depth and reliable two-way play from their wings. His commitment to both ends of the ice is growing, and that evolution has not gone unnoticed by coaches and scouts within the organization.
“He’s got that spark,” said one Oilers development coach. “We’ve seen guys with a similar skillset before, but what separates the ones who make it from the ones who fade is the work away from the puck. Isaac’s starting to embrace that. You look at McGroarty and Gauthier—those guys didn’t just show up and expect things to happen. They made themselves impossible to ignore. That’s the step Isaac is taking now.”
Part of Howard’s growing maturity has been shaped by watching how others have handled the pressure. Gauthier’s decision to request a trade from Philadelphia after being drafted fifth overall stunned many, but his performance with the Anaheim Ducks proved he was more than ready for the spotlight. McGroarty, too, has faced scrutiny as a high draft pick, but his relentless work ethic and team-first mentality have earned praise. Howard, who has always been known for his flashy on-ice persona and confident interviews, is learning to blend that charisma with the steadiness needed to thrive in pro hockey.
It helps that Edmonton has built a culture where young players are expected to grow—not just play. With developmental support, mentorship from seasoned veterans, and a clear path to the NHL for those who commit to the process, Howard finds himself in an environment conducive to the kind of transformation he seeks. His on-ice sessions this offseason have focused on strength training, shot mechanics, and situational awareness—areas where McGroarty and Gauthier have set a high standard.
But it’s not all imitation. Howard’s individuality remains his strongest weapon. Whether it’s his ability to weave through defenders with slick stickhandling or his natural knack for finding soft areas in the offensive zone, Howard’s game retains a creative edge that could make him a unique asset for the Oilers. He has spoken candidly about wanting to bring “a new kind of energy” to the team—something rooted in flair but grounded in discipline.
That mindset has started to win over doubters. Once seen as a player whose swagger might outpace his substance, Howard is proving he’s ready to do the dirty work required of a true pro. He’s embraced video work, leaned into feedback, and begun to embrace a team-first mentality that mirrors what McGroarty and Gauthier have exemplified. During a recent scrimmage, Howard could be seen backchecking aggressively, disrupting a 2-on-1 break with a perfectly timed stick lift—a moment that elicited nods of approval from coaches and teammates alike.
Still, the road ahead is steep. Cracking the Oilers’ NHL lineup will require more than just potential. It will require proving he can bring it every night—against the fastest, strongest, and smartest players in the world. But Howard doesn’t shy away from that challenge. In fact, he welcomes it.
“There’s no better place to be than Edmonton right now,” he said. “The expectations are high, and that’s what drives you. Watching guys like McGroarty and Gauthier make their mark pushes me to be more. I don’t want to just be the next in line—I want to be the best version of myself. I want to make my own mark.”
That kind of mindset—where influence meets individuality—is exactly what makes Howard’s emergence so compelling. While the footsteps of McGroarty and Gauthier provide guidance, Howard’s goal is not to follow, but to walk alongside and, perhaps one day, lead. His journey may still be in its early stages, but the foundation is being laid brick by brick, shift by shift.
And if early signs are any indication, Isaac Howard isn’t just copying a blueprint—he’s building something of his own.
The comparisons will continue. Fans and analysts alike will chart his progress alongside those of his peers. But in the end, the NHL is not about who you remind people of—it’s about who you become. For Isaac Howard, the future is unwritten, but undeniably bright. If he continues on this path—with the tenacity of Gauthier, the heart of McGroarty, and a dash of Howard’s unmistakable flair—Edmonton might just have another rising star on their hands. Not a follower. A trailblazer.
