Edmonton Oilers in the win mode now As they are heading to the new season of NHL with the superstars of Connor Mc David and Leon Draisaitl for the upcoming season of NHL, but it is thought that the Edmonton Oilers are likely to make a major trade move at the least and even general manager Stan Bowman is also getting ready for another big move to do in the 2026-27 season of NHL. According to Heavy, The Athletic's Allan Mitchell feels that Bowman will eventually need to add a major piece to improve the Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup hopes. So one trade chip could be the developing forward Isaac Howard who is heading into a pivotal season with the Edmonton Oilers. 

Reportedly, Isaac Howard had a season split between the Edmonton Oilers and Bakersfield Condors in the 2025-26 season. 

Edmonton Oilers - 29 GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 Pts. AHL: 24 G, 26 A, 50 Pts. In 47 games. Edmonton Oilers to use young forward Isaac Howard as Stan Bowman looks forward to making a significant move The Edmonton Oilers are expected to use young forward Isaac Howard as trade bait as general manager Stan Bowman looks to make another big move to upgrade the team. 

It is said that Edmonton may look to maximize Howard's value before moving him in a possible blockbuster trade. 

Still one of the most promising players in Edmonton's system, the 22-year-old joined the Oilers in a trade with Tampa Bay in July 2025 after being taken 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. He could be an excellent pickup for the team, as the forward recorded 50 points in 47 games with the Bakersfield before making his NHL debut with Edmonton. However, his output at the NHL level was significantly less impressive. 

The forward scored five points, including two goals and three assists, in 29 games with the Oilers last season. Further, the possibility is high, as Mitchell believes that new Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock may look to increase Howard's potential trade value. "Bowman has to wait on Mike Babcock's evaluation of all players, particularly Howard. 

If there's a feeling the team needs to upgrade, putting Howard with Draisaitl for the first 40 games should boost his value in a big way," states Mitchell. 

But for now, Isaac Howard's future remains uncertain as nothing has been confirmed so far. Rumors are indicating that, for a solid start to the 2026-27 season, he can also be a desirable trade chip if Bowman makes a decision for a significant upgrade. The Edmonton Oilers way to Howard may ultimately depend on his NHL progression and the team early season's performance. If he takes a big leap forward, Edmonton will keep this promising young forward or boost his value in a big trade.

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Lakshya