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For rookie winger Isaac Howard the transition from college standout to NHL rookie has been a steep climb. But the 21-year-old is trying to make the most of the challenge and particularly the opportunity to skate alongside Connor McDavid, as the youngster noted after the Friday practice skate. Coming off a standout college career at Michigan State where he scored 26 goals and 26 assists last season and won the Hobey Baker Award, Howard is learning the pace and physicality of the pro game. Through the first nine games of the season the Oilers are 4–4–1 and Howard has seen limited ice time in seven of those while adjusting to life in the NHL. Ike Howard “excited” getting ice-time with Connor McDavid The next step for Howard is likely a more regular role alongside elite players. The Oilers aim to balance depth while maximizing scoring potential and Howard is expected to see increased opportunities skating with some of the top duos on the team. Even in limited shifts, Howard has showed growth in his ability to read plays, get open and execute, providing a glimpse of his potential impact when paired with one of the league’s top talents. Even coach Kris Knoblauch had given him more time alongside Connor McDavid in the Oilers 6–5 win over the Montreal Canadiens two games ago. When asked about the feeling of playing alongside one of the best players in the league, the Howard was all smiles. He had a few shifts with the superstar and called it “a special thing” to play alongside him. “I mean, he’s the best player in the world, so it’s a special, special thing to play with him,” Howard said. “We had some shifts last game together. Um, you know, I think he’s just obviously so skilled. I can just get open, he’ll be able to find me and stuff and, uh, you know, he plays with, with pace, which I like a lot. So, you know, I’m excited.” Howard has described his NHL adjustment as an enjoyable challenge and is becoming increasingly comfortable with the puck. He also shared that he didn’t feel pressure to change his game on McDavid’s line. “No pressure from the coach or anything like that. It’s just, uh, pretty much just play the same game, you know what I mean? It’s just a different line, different, uh, linemates.” Knoblauch made it clear Howard’s role beside McDavid is not permanent Coach Knoblauch had previously praised his progress noting Howard’s ability to translate collegiate offensive instincts into the pro game. Knoblauch said that early on, Howard had struggled with the speed of the NHL how things happened fast, and plays closed quickly, but over time he learned to adjust. The coach felt Howard was now handling pressure better and starting to make plays instead of reacting to them. Because of that improvement, Knoblauch rewarded Howard with more ice-time alongside McDavid. He was honest, though, that such opportunities might not be permanent. Still, he said Howard had earned his spot for now with the way he was playing. “For him to be there for the next 74 games, probably not. There’ll probably be some changes. But right now, the way he’s playing, he deserves that,” Knoblauch said. Ike Howard opens up on his mindset ahead of the next games When asked about what impressed him most in his early NHL adjustment, Howard sid he took pride in keeping a steady mindset. He admitted his offensive production hadn’t come as easily as it did in college but he is focused on staying positive and contributing in other ways. “I think I’ve just kept a good, uh, mental, like mindset. Uh, good peace of mind. Like, obviously I haven’t produced as much as I’m used to and I think just being able to not look at numbers and things like that, just try to play hard, you know, play for the team, little things like that. Um, you know, I think I’ve, I’ve done a good job with that and will continue to do so.”
