The Edmonton Oilers made a significant move on Wednesday by acquiring Hobey Baker Award-winning forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade. Howard, who was set to enter his senior season at Michigan State, decided to forgo it in order to join the Oilers. One of the key factors in his decision was the opportunity to play alongside superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
During a segment on SportsCenter with Jay Onrait, analyst Ryan Rishaug discussed the potential line combinations for Howard. He suggested that pairing Howard with McDavid and Zach Hyman could be an ideal fit due to Howard’s speed and great shot, complementing McDavid’s playmaking abilities. However, Rishaug also mentioned that Draisaitl deserves a skilled winger like Howard and that both options are viable for the team.
In an interview, Howard expressed his excitement about playing alongside McDavid and Draisaitl, two of the NHL’s elite players. He looks forward to learning from their unique talents and skills, eager to share the ice with them. With a standout season at Michigan State where he amassed 52 points from 26 goals, the 21-year-old forward will aim to slot into the Oilers’ top-six forward group.
The trade has generated buzz among fans and analysts, with many speculating on how Howard will impact the Oilers’ lineup. The team’s depth and offensive firepower are expected to receive a significant boost with Howard’s addition. As the young forward settles into his new team, all eyes will be on him to see how he contributes to the Oilers’ success on the ice.
Overall, the acquisition of Isaac Howard has the potential to be a game-changer for the Edmonton Oilers, as they aim to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season. With a talented roster led by McDavid and Draisaitl, the addition of Howard adds another dynamic element to their offensive arsenal. Fans of the team will be eagerly anticipating the start of the season to see how Howard performs alongside his new teammates.
