After acquiring former first round pick Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning via trade during the offseason, the Oilers get younger on offense, and with former Hobey Baker award winner Howard's role in the team undecided as of yet, is it crazy to suggest pairing him up with McDavid right away, here’s why not.
Isaac Howard was arguably one of the NCAA’s best hockey players for several years during his time with Michigan State, and now with a new challenge ahead in Edmonton, the chances of him starting his NHL career on the wing of one of the greatest players of all time is very likely. With Kris Knoblauch’s lines not 100% set in stone yet, Howard looks NHL ready, but what better way to further develop his skills than putting him with the best of the best right away.
With a gaping hole on the left side for the Oilers, a play maker and sharpshooter like Howard is a perfect player who can compliment Connor McDavid’s game on the left hand side, and playing and learning alongside the best in the game is the perfect recipe for a successful year of NHL development for Howard. Being one of the Calder favourites, Howard has proven during his time in college that ever since being a late first rounder his game has developed to easily be considered a top 10 valued player, and his NCAA playing time was exactly what he needed to progress and get better.
Heading into a contract year, and a vital year overall for the Oilers, having a young and talented burst of energy on his wing like Howard, McDavid’s game game could elevate even more, and with a fresh new linemate with the desire and explosiveness as Howard, taking the mentor role could be the best outcome for both parties.
Sure Howard is already a great player and will use his debut season in the NHL to develop and get up to speed with the NHL pace, however linking up with McDavid, learning from the best, and setting a new standard for himself is 100% the right thing to do, and don't be surprised if Isaac Howard is one of Connor McDavid’s go to guys this season.
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