The Bakersfield Condors’ scoring assault may very well be getting an actual enhance momentarily from the one they name the Ice Man. Isaac Howard was despatched to the AHL Friday afternoon by the Edmonton Oilers to make room for the returning Zach Hyman.
The rookie ahead gained the Hobey Baker Memorial Award with Michigan State final season and arrived in Edmonton by way of a high-profile offseason commerce with the Tampa Bay Lightning after selecting to not signal with the Bolts after his collegiate marketing campaign.
Howard has had an up-and-down begin to his NHL profession, posting simply three factors in 17 video games whereas averaging underneath 10 minutes of ice time per recreation. The 2022 first-round decide isn’t the one one struggling in Edmonton because the Oilers have underwhelmed all through the beginning of the season following back-to-back journeys to the Stanley Cup Ultimate.
It was a tricky surroundings to come back into and loads was anticipated of Howard immediately. With Hyman returning and Howard not needing waivers to go to the AHL, it was a pure alternative for him to be despatched down.
Solely 21 years previous, Howard’s hockey sense and ability are appreciable belongings, however now he’ll get an opportunity to re-set with the Condors.
Bakersfield’s season has mirrored their mother or father golf equipment at occasions. They presently sit seventh within the 10-team Pacific Division, with a .500 factors share. The Condors have additionally common 3.1 targets per recreation, however have been leaky in permitting 3.8 in opposition to.
If nothing else, Howard ought to assist Bakersfield enhance their offensive assault within the close to time period. It additionally might help get the younger ahead getting into a approach that he hasn’t skilled as a professional.
At Michigan State, Howard loved great offensive success. In 37 video games throughout his Hobey Baker season, he had 52 factors and led the nation in factors per recreation. He additionally was an offensive standout in his one World Juniors look, successful gold two years in the past whereas scoring seven targets in seven video games.
He’s an immense scoring expertise, however he must get that swagger again.
Howard needn’t look additional than Edmonton teammate and modern Matthew Savoie who made probably the most of his time within the AHL, changing into a trusted scorer for the Condors final season. Savoie posted 54 factors in 66 video games, gaining confidence and expertise as an offensive chief on the skilled degree.
This recent begin could also be simply what Howard must get himself going. If he can handle to change into an efficient scorer in no matter time he has with Bakersfield, it most likely gained’t be all that lengthy earlier than Edmonton comes calling once more.
The Condors are again in motion Friday evening in opposition to the San Diego Gulls earlier than taking over the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Saturday evening.
2025 Bakersfield Condors vs San Diego Gulls
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