The Edmonton Oilers loaned rookie forward Isaac Howard to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors on Friday to make room for the return of Zach Hyman from injury. The team also placed defenceman Troy Stecher on waivers ahead of their road game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Edmonton Oilers announced two roster moves on Friday in Raleigh, North Carolina, as they prepare for their third game of a road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Forward Isaac Howard, a 21-year-old rookie and top prospect, was loaned to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. Howard, acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a high-profile offseason trade after winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award with Michigan State last season, has recorded two goals and one assist for three points in 17 NHL games this year. He has averaged 9:30 of ice time per game and fired 19 shots on goal.
The move clears space for veteran forward Zach Hyman, who is returning from injury. Howard, the 2022 first-round pick, has faced a challenging start in Edmonton, where the Oilers have struggled early in the season following back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. At Michigan State, Howard posted 52 points in 37 games, leading the nation in points per game during his Hobey Baker-winning campaign. He also excelled internationally, scoring seven goals in seven games to help the U.S. win gold at the World Juniors two years ago.
In a related transaction, the Oilers placed 31-year-old defenceman Troy Stecher on waivers. Stecher has appeared in six games this season, averaging 13:37 of ice time with three shots on goal and eight penalty minutes.
Howard's assignment to Bakersfield offers a chance to regain form in a familiar environment. The Condors, Edmonton's AHL affiliate, currently rank seventh in the 10-team Pacific Division with a .500 points percentage. They average 3.1 goals per game but allow 3.8. Fellow young forward Matthew Savoie provides a positive example, having tallied 54 points in 66 games with the Condors last season before earning trust in Edmonton. At 21, Howard's hockey sense and scoring talent could boost Bakersfield's offense, potentially paving the way for a quick NHL return if he excels.