The Edmonton Oilers are generating significant excitement around their young forward Isaac Howard, with NHL insider Marco D’Amico predicting a breakout season for the 21-year-old. D’Amico highlighted Howard’s potential to match or even rival the production of Montreal Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov in the 2025-26 NHL campaign, largely due to Howard’s advantageous placement alongside superstar Connor McDavid.
This prediction brings new attention to Howard’s prospects, especially as the Oilers seek to bolster their offensive depth using the undeniable talent of their franchise centerpiece, McDavid. The phrase Connor McDavid Howard breakout potential captures the optimism surrounding this young player’s future.
Why Howard Could Match Ivan Demidov’s Rookie Impact
On the Shaun Starr Show, Marco D’Amico explained how Howard’s situation uniquely positions him for a strong statistical season.
“To me, (Isaac) Howard is probably the player, given his situation, who could rival [Ivan] Demidov in terms of points,”
D’Amico said. He added,
“It’s not that I’m necessarily big on him, per se. I think he’s going to be a fine top-six player, but Conor McDavid has a knack for making top-six players look like superstars.”
Howard was acquired by Edmonton in a summer trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning after contract negotiations with Tampa stalled. Once a highly touted prospect in Tampa’s system, Howard’s future in Florida dimmed before the Oilers stepped in. Edmonton quickly secured him with a three-year entry-level contract, signaling confidence in his potential to thrive with their lineup.
Howard’s college hockey record is impressive, having tallied 52 points (26 goals and 26 assists) across 37 games for Michigan State in the 2024-25 season. His performance helped the Spartans secure consecutive Big Ten titles and earned him First-Team All-America honors, as well as the NCAA’s player of the year accolade. Over two seasons, Howard amassed 88 points in 73 games, confirming his consistent offensive contributions at a high level of collegiate competition.
How Playing with McDavid and Draisaitl Elevates Howard’s Prospects
Isaac Howard is expected to slot into the Oilers’ top-six forward group, likely sharing ice time with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, two of the NHL’s most dynamic players. This proximity is crucial, as D’Amico noted that players around McDavid often experience heightened scoring outputs, benefiting from his exceptional playmaking abilities.
Howard’s skill set, combined with McDavid’s influence, creates a scenario ripe for a breakout rookie season. The “McDavid effect” has repeatedly helped teammates become more productive and gain national attention, transforming good forwards into notable stars.
Additionally, NHL insider David Pagnotta emphasized Edmonton’s ongoing offensive strategy during a Hello Hockey podcast appearance. He remarked,
“The Oilers are looking for another top six guy,”
underscoring the team’s commitment to strengthening their lineup around their superstar core.
Edmonton remains active in free agency and trade discussions even after acquiring Howard, suggesting a concerted effort to add depth and skill to their top-six forward group in pursuit of their ultimate goal: the Stanley Cup.
Looking Ahead: Howard’s Role in Edmonton’s Quest for Success
All eyes will be on Isaac Howard as he adapts to NHL competition. If he successfully aligns with Connor McDavid’s playing style, the Oilers may have secured one of the most promising rookies for the upcoming season, potentially challenging Ivan Demidov for rookie honors. The blend of Howard’s proven collegiate scoring ability and McDavid’s superstar impact could provide Edmonton with a potent offensive boost.
This development not only enhances Howard’s individual prospects but also strengthens the Oilers’ aspirations to overcome past shortcomings and vie seriously for hockey’s top prize. Howard’s progress will be a key storyline as the NHL season approaches, symbolizing hope and resilience within Edmonton’s roster.