Welcome to Daily Faceoff Edmonton’s countdown of the top 20 prospects in the Edmonton Oilers system.

We have now reached the top of the pipeline, and, to no one’s surprise, Isaac Howard is currently the Edmonton Oilers’ top prospect.

#1: Isaac Howard

Age: 22

Position: W

Shoots: Left

Nationality: USA

Date of Birth: March 30, 2004

Drafted: First round, 31st overall, 2022 (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Height and weight: 5-11 / 190 lbs.

2025-26 stats (AHL):

Contract status: Year two of a three-year entry-level contract, $972,500 cap hit

Howard is originally a Tampa Bay first-rounder, but the Oilers traded their 2024 first-rounder, Sam O’Reilly, to get the top American prospect. At every level, Howard has been a scorer. During his draft year in the 2021-22 season, Howard played in 87 games with the United States National Team Development Program, scoring 44 goals and finishing with 119 points. For the next three seasons, the left winger played college hockey. During Howard’s freshman season in 2022-23 for the University of Minnesota Duluth, he suited up in 35 games, scoring six goals and 17 points. Howard then transferred to Michigan State University for the 2023-24 season; this is when the “iceman” took a step and broke out offensively at the college level. Howard only scored eight goals, but added 28 assists, which is a 19-point jump from the previous season. The 2024-25 season is when Howard cemented himself as one of the top college players. The 5-11 winger scored 26 goals and finished with 52 points in 37 games. Howard went on to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top men’s ice hockey player in the NCAA.

Isaac Howard signed his entry-level deal after winning the Hobey Baker, and his journey continued with the Oilers’ organization for the 2025-26 season. The Oilers’ top prospect started with the big club, but was sent down to the Bakersfield Condors in November. Howard would play a few more NHL games throughout the year, but in his 29 NHL games, he scored two goals and added five points. However, in his 47 games with Bakersfield, the dynamic offensive forward scored 24 goals and 50 points. Howard would go on to be named to the AHL All-Rookie Team.

Howard comes as advertised offensively, but I want to start with his strong skating and work ethic. Skating has always been a........

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