Isaac Howard is back, and Kris Knoblauch now has a fresh new forward to choose from for the Edmonton team.
On Sunday, the Oilers let everyone know that they have brought Howard up from Bakersfield. This move feels like more than just a simple roster change this late in the season.
Howard has made a strong case for himself in the AHL. The rookie scored 22 goals and had 25 assists in 45 games with the Condors, which is good enough to get a closer look.
These numbers are important because Edmonton isn’t just adding someone who doesn’t contribute.
They are bringing in a winger who is fast, skilled, and capable of creating scoring chances, which could allow him to play significant minutes if he adjusts quickly.
Knoblauch now has a choice to make. He could keep Howard as a backup player or use this call-up to shake things up in a lineup that has been heavily relying on its top players.
The video that came with the announcement is simple but meaningful: Howard looks relaxed, showing that he knows he earned this opportunity rather than being given it.
For Edmonton, this also creates some internal competition.
Bringing up a player like this gives the team another option to use and sends a clear message to the lower lines that they need to earn their playing time every game.
Reasons why this call-up could be permanent
Howard’s skills provide something helpful for the Oilers right away.
He can skate fast along the boards, drive forward during plays, and get involved around the net without needing to have the puck all the time.
This is important for a team coached by Knoblauch, who has shown he likes to depend on players he trusts to keep plays organized and help with puck control.
The first test will be how he gets used in the game.
If Howard is given a chance to show what he can do alongside skilled NHL players, then this call-up means more than just having a backup in case of injuries and to fill spots during practices.
Even if he starts off playing lower on the team, his goal remains the same.
He needs to create scoring opportunities, compete hard for the puck, and prove to the coaches that they can’t just send him back after just a few quiet games.
No matter what, Edmonton didn’t make this decision without a reason.
Howard has worked hard and deserves a shot to join the team, sit on the bench, and maybe even take on an important role sooner than anyone thought.
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