Oilers analyst updates on Ike Howard's expected recall after dominating AHL since demotion
Oilers prospect Ike Howard didn't have a great start to his NHL career this season, but now he's been tearing up the AHL - and it's just what he needed.
In 17 games with the Oilers this year, Howard scored just 2 goals and 3 points while mostly playing 4th line minutes. The coach clearly didn't trust him in an increased role given his defensive deficiencies, but you could still see the skill there. Now it's shining in the AHL.
Ike Howard won't be called up to NHL anytime soon, says Oilers analyst
Since going to the AHL, Howard has 9 goals and 19 points in 14 games. That's an astonishing scoring pace for the AHL, and especially for a player in his rookie pro season.
Despite this success, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell says the team has no intention of calling him up anytime soon. They want Howard to keep developing in the minors, and to be called up permanently next time.
There's no chance Howard sees a recall anytime soon, and there are lessons to learn. He shoots the defensive zone too early and needs to learn a more structured game that he will take with him to the NHL next time.
When he gets there, chances are Howard will stay.
Howard is posting outstanding offence, some of the most impressive totals in decades, while also helping the Condors outscore at even strength. He's not yet an NHL player, but the numbers suggest he will have an impact when he makes the NHL to stay.
- Allan Mitchell
When he gets there, chances are Howard will stay.
Howard is posting outstanding offence, some of the most impressive totals in decades, while also helping the Condors outscore at even strength. He's not yet an NHL player, but the numbers suggest he will have an impact when he makes the NHL to stay.
- Allan Mitchell
Just like Matt Savoie last year, Howard will develop much more from playing top minutes in the AHL than playing 4th line minutes with the Oilers.
With the minor league roster Howard can show off more of his offensive talents, but also actually focus on his defence and for him specifically, his play along the boards. He had tendencies to abandon his defensive responsibilities for offence, and really pass up on most physical plays entirely. Neither of that will fly in the NHL.
Perhaps Howard could see another call-up late in the season for another evaluation or to add secondary scoring, but it seems unlikely he'd made the playoff lineup.
Seeing Howard light up the scoresheet every night is an incredibly encouraging sign however. If he continues that while improving other aspects of his game, his roster spot for the Oilers is locked down for next year.
Do you think Howard should be called up again this season? Let us know in the poll below!
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 648 ANSWERS Oilers analyst updates on Ike Howard's expected recall after dominating AHL since demotion Do you think Howard should be called up again this season? | ||
| Yes | 533 | 82.3 % |
| No | 115 | 17.7 % |
| List of polls | ||