New Oilers forward opens-up about trade to Canadian team
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner Ike Howard recently spoke about his opportunity to play on a Canadian market squad.
Howard was acquired from Tampa Bay Lightening early in the offseason and has quickly become one of the Oilers' top-prospects. He is now intent on making the jump to the NHL.
Top Oilers' soon-to-be rookie comments on his opportunity to play north of border
«It's going to be a unique challenge," Howard said. "I think my mindset is just to come in here and play my game. I hope to make the team, be in the NHL and tackle that part of the game. At the end of the day, it's fun. It's a sweet opportunity I have. It's not too stressful, it's pretty unreal. Just coming in here with a good attitude and having some fun.»
The Edmonton Oilers, of course, have one of the deepest lineups in the league and will again be contending for a Stanley Cup in 2025-26.
«That's what's so cool about [Edmonton], is that they want to win the Stanley Cup. That brings a fun and exciting aspect to it,» Howard said. «For me, I've just got to play my game during training camp. Hopefully get in, do my thing and see where it goes.»
Isaac Howard is from Hudson, Wisconsin, and has played for the US WJC-18 and -20, and was part of the US National Team Development program. Yet, he seems quite excited to be playing in Canada.
Of course, Howard is leaving nothing to chance and will display the work ethic and skill for which he is known; but he also understands it's the defensive part of his game that will be looked at closely, and at how he performs under pressure in a very loud building and passionate market.
"I can see downtown being rowdy during the playoffs. I can see the atmosphere of it. Watching the games, it looks incredible at Rogers Place. It's the cool part about Canada, hockey's their sport. You play in a market like this, it's crazy, and as a player that's pretty unreal.»
In 37 games with Michigan State in 2024-25, Ike scored 26G and 52 points. His offense will be much-welcomed scoring depth on a team ready to make its third-straight Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
In 37 games with Michigan State in 2024-25, Ike scored 26G and 52 points. His offense will be much-welcomed scoring depth on a team ready to make its third-straight Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 483 ANSWERS New Oilers forward opens-up about trade to Canadian team Can Ike Howard make the top-6 on this Oilers' team, or will he start in the AHL? | ||
| top-6 Oilers | 148 | 30.6 % |
| bottom-6 Oilers | 158 | 32.7 % |
| Bakersfield Condors | 177 | 36.6 % |
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