The Edmonton Oilers have officially revealed the jersey number that former Michigan State standout Isaac Howard will wear as he begins the next chapter of his hockey career.
The Edmonton Oilers have taken a step further in welcoming one of their most intriguing young additions by officially unveiling the jersey number for former Michigan State forward Isaac Howard. It’s a symbolic gesture, yes, but one that signifies more than just a number stitched onto the back of a sweater—it represents a new beginning, a fresh identity, and a chance to carve out a future with a franchise that has become synonymous with elite-level hockey and Stanley Cup aspirations.
For Howard, this moment is the culmination of years of work, perseverance, and growth both on and off the ice. The former Spartan star now finds himself on the cusp of an NHL opportunity in one of the league’s most passionate hockey markets. The announcement of his jersey number—while seemingly routine—is also a rite of passage. It’s the kind of moment that cements his place in the Oilers’ organization and signals that he’s not just another name in the system but a player with a real shot to contribute and grow in the big leagues.
Howard, a former first-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022, had an unusual college journey before reaching Edmonton. He initially committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he showcased glimpses of brilliance but sought a better fit and more opportunity to display his skills. That led him to Michigan State, a program on the rise with a strong coaching staff and a winning culture. It was there that Howard truly blossomed. His speed, puck-handling ability, and offensive instincts caught the attention of scouts and front offices across the league once again. His standout performances at Michigan State helped reignite belief in his NHL ceiling, leading to increased buzz as he wrapped up his college career and explored the professional path.
The Oilers, already a team loaded with top-tier offensive talent and championship ambitions, saw something unique in Howard. They recognized a player who could potentially complement their fast-paced style and add depth to a forward group that thrives on pressure, speed, and creativity. Signing Howard was not just about his highlight-reel potential—it was about adding a player with maturity, competitive fire, and the ability to evolve under the guidance of a strong organization.
Now wearing his newly assigned number, Howard begins what will be the most challenging and exhilarating stage of his career. The pressure of joining a contender is significant, especially when you’re a young forward trying to break into a lineup that features the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But it’s also the kind of pressure that can shape a player’s mental edge and elevate their game. The opportunity to learn from some of the game’s greatest minds and leaders is invaluable, and Howard enters Edmonton’s locker room with the humility to learn and the confidence to contribute.
Jersey numbers in hockey carry tradition, identity, and sometimes even superstition. For Howard, the number assigned to him could quickly become part of his brand—especially if he makes the most of his chances with the Oilers. Every great player eventually becomes synonymous with their number. Whether it’s Wayne Gretzky’s 99 or Sidney Crosby’s 87, fans often connect a number to a player’s legacy. Howard may not be at that level yet, but the path to greatness always begins with a first step, and being given a number by an NHL team is a moment no player forgets.
The Oilers, coming off another season of playoff contention, know that maintaining success in today’s NHL means developing young, affordable talent who can contribute alongside stars. That’s where Howard fits in. His skill set is built for today’s game—quick acceleration, deceptive hands, and a nose for the net. He has the tools to be more than just a depth piece. And in Edmonton, there’s a strong history of prospects rising through the ranks and making a name for themselves.
Howard’s journey also speaks to the resilience that’s often required to make it in professional hockey. Being drafted by one team and ultimately signing with another isn’t always the ideal route, but it’s increasingly common in a landscape where opportunity and fit matter just as much as draft position. Edmonton represents a new environment for Howard, one where he can write his own story rather than live in the expectations placed on him by a prior organization.
The Oilers’ development staff will play a key role in shaping Howard’s transition to the professional game. From the strength and conditioning team to the assistant coaches and veteran leadership, Howard will have access to one of the NHL’s best ecosystems for young player growth. Edmonton’s recent success hasn’t just been built on stars but also on the ability to develop and integrate new talent seamlessly into their system. That bodes well for Howard, whose game is already well-rounded but still holds untapped potential.
As training camp looms, Howard will get his first taste of what it means to compete at the NHL level day in and day out. The intensity, the physicality, the speed—it’s a leap from college hockey, even at the highest levels of the NCAA. But it’s a leap that Howard seems ready to take. By all accounts, his work ethic, attitude, and focus are precisely what teams look for when investing in a young player. He understands what’s at stake and what it will take to earn ice time on a team with championship hopes.
And while the unveiling of a jersey number might seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, it’s these moments that make the NHL journey feel real. It’s a visual confirmation that a player belongs. For Oilers fans, it’s the first tangible sign that a new player is about to join the family. For Howard, it’s a badge of honor—a symbol that he’s no longer just a prospect on paper but a part of something much bigger.
As he prepares for camp and the possibility of earning a roster spot or starting the season with the team’s AHL affiliate in Bakersfield, Howard knows that every shift will be a chance to prove himself. His versatility—being able to play wing, generate chances off the rush, and contribute on the power play—gives him multiple avenues to impact games. If he can harness those skills and stay consistent, there’s no reason he can’t become a fixture in the Oilers’ lineup in the near future.
The support from Oilers fans, known for their deep-rooted love of hockey and unwavering loyalty, will also play a role in Howard’s acclimation. Edmonton is a city that embraces its players, especially those who show effort, heart, and promise. Howard, still just beginning his NHL journey, has all the ingredients to win over the fanbase. His college roots, his work ethic, and his determination to make the most of every opportunity will resonate with a blue-collar fanbase that appreciates players who leave it all on the ice.
Looking ahead, the coming months will be critical for Howard’s development. Every practice, every preseason game, and every interaction with the coaching staff will shape his trajectory. Whether he makes the opening night roster or continues to develop in the minors, the important thing is that he’s now part of the Oilers organization—wearing a number that represents belief, hope, and the promise of what could be.
It’s easy to overlook a jersey number announcement as a routine press release or offseason filler, but for players like Isaac Howard, it’s so much more than that. It’s a dream taking shape, a chapter beginning, and a statement of arrival. The number he’ll wear in Edmonton is more than a thread—it’s a thread connecting him to a franchise’s history, to teammates present and past, and to a city that lives and breathes hockey.
Howard has worked his entire life for a moment like this. Now, with his number on his back and opportunity ahead, all that’s left is to lace up his skates and show the hockey world what he’s capable of.
