The Bakersfield Condors' scoring offense could get a real boost right away from their so-called “Iceman.” Isaac Howard was traded to the AHL by the Edmonton Oilers on Friday afternoon to make room for the returning Zach Hyman.
The rookie forward won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award with Michigan State last season and arrived in Edmonton via a high-profile offseason trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning after opting not to sign with the Bolts after his college season.
Howard had an up-and-down start to his NHL career, scoring just three points in 17 games while averaging less than 10 minutes per game. The 2022 first-round pick isn't the only player in Edmonton's troubles, as the Oilers have struggled to start the season after reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals.
It's a tough environment and expectations are high for Howard. With Hyman back and Howard not requiring waivers to go to the AHL, it was a natural choice for him to be sent down.
At just 21 years old, Howard's hockey sense and skills are considerable assets, but now he'll get a chance to regroup with the Condors.
Bakersfield's season has at times mirrored that of their parent club. They currently sit seventh among the 10 teams in the Pacific Division with a .500 scoring percentage. The Condors are averaging 3.1 goals per game but conceding 3.8 goals per game.
If nothing else, Howard should help Bakersfield strengthen their offense in the short term. It could also help the young forward move forward in ways he never experienced as a pro.
At Michigan State, Howard had great success on offense. In 37 games during Hobey Baker's season, he scored 52 points, leading the nation in points per game. He also excelled in attack at a world junior tournament, winning gold two years ago and scoring seven goals in seven games.
He has tremendous scoring talent, but he needs to get that confidence back.
Howard doesn't need to look any further than Edmonton teammate and contemporary Matthew Savoie, who made the most of his time in the AHL and became a dependable scorer for the Condors last season. Savoie scored 54 points in 66 games, gaining confidence and experience as an offensive leader at the professional level.
This fresh start might be just what Howard needs to keep himself going. If he can be an efficient scorer for any length of time in Bakersfield, it probably won't be too long before Edmonton calls on him again.
The Condors will face the San Diego Gulls on Friday night before taking on the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Saturday night.
2025 Bakersfield Condors vs San Diego Gulls
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