When the Edmonton Oilers swung a summer deal with Tampa Bay for forward Ike Howard, it barely made a ripple outside of Alberta. A depth trade in July usually doesn’t move markets.
But as training camp unfolds, the former first-round pick has become one of the most intriguing storylines in Alberta, as Howard hopes to carve out a role many players only dream of: lining up alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
“It’s going to be a unique challenge. I think my mindset is just to come in here and play my game,” Howard said. “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.”
News Oilers Winger Ike Howard Hopes to Make ‘Seamless Jump to the NHL’
Howard, 21, was a first-round selection (No. 31 overall) of the Lightning in 2022 and played college hockey at Minnesota-Duluth and Michigan State before turning pro. Last season, he scored 26 goals with 26 assists in 37 games for the Spartans, flashing the offensive instincts that made him a coveted prospect.
But Tampa Bay’s deep system left little room, opening the door for July’s trade to Edmonton, who views Howard as a low-cost, high-upside winger who can step into the NHL sooner rather than later.
“I want to make a seamless jump to the NHL,” Howard said. “I want to, right from the get-go, play my game and be effective offensively, be good in my own end. Nothing too crazy (in terms) of goals, but I just want to be impactful.”
Playing on the wing with one of the two best centers in the NHL is one way to make that goal a reality. With the loss during the offseason of several veteran forwards, including Corey Perry, Evander Kane, and Viktor Arvidsson, as well as the continued recovery of Zach Hyman from a dislocated wrist, there are minutes to be filled all through the depth chart, and Howard is hopeful that he will prove worthy of a spot.
“For me, I’ve just got to play my game during training camp,” he said. “Hopefully get in, do my thing and see where it goes.”
And make no mistake, Howard’s “thing” is offense. At Michigan State, he showed he could generate from the wing, using quickness and vision to find soft spots in defensive coverage. That’s exactly the type of player who can thrive alongside McDavid or Draisaitl, who demand fast reads and quick finishes from their linemates.
Ike Howard ‘Excited About This Fit’ As Oilers Training Camp Looms
The path won’t be easy. Even with the veteran losses, Edmonton’s roster competition is fierce, and Howard will need to prove his scoring touch translates against NHL defenders. But the early signs — from rookie camp performances to informal skates — suggest he’s making the most of his chance.
“That’s what’s so cool about this place. They want to win the Stanley Cup,” Howard said. “My game is winning hockey. That’s why I’m excited about this fit.”
There’s no guarantee Howard locks down a top-six job, or even top-nine right away. He may start the year in a depth role or see time in the AHL if adjustments are needed. But the intrigue lies in the upside: if he clicks with McDavid or Draisaitl, the Oilers could suddenly have another dynamic piece on an already loaded roster.
Edmonton has spent years searching for the right mix around their superstars. In Ike Howard, they may have stumbled upon a solution hiding in plain sight. Whether he seizes it in October or grows into it over the season, one thing is certain: Edmonton’s margin for success will feel a lot wider if Howard proves ready to ride shotgun with hockey’s elite.
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