The attacks on Bakersfield values can get real reinforcements for a while for what they call the snowman. Isaac Howard was sent to the AHL on Friday afternoon by the Edmonton Oilers to replace the returning Zach Hyman.
The Rookie Forward won the Hobey Baker Memorial award last season and arrived in Edmonton in a high-profile trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning after opting to sign with the Bolts after his campaign.
Howard began the ups and downs of his NHL career, posting three points in 17 games while being limited to 10 minutes of ice time. The 2022 first-round pick isn’t the only fight in Edmonton as the Oilers have been since the start of the season following Stanley’s backtracking.
It was a difficult place to enter and it was expected that Howard would be expected at the same time. With the return of Hyman and Howard, there is no need for warards to go to Ahl, it was a natural advantage for them to be sent down.
Only 21 years old, Howard’s hockey skills are a tangible asset, but now he will have the opportunity to reset with the receivers.
Bakersfield’s tenure has killed their parent clubs at times. They currently sit atop the Pacific Division, with a percentage of .500. Receivers are also averaging 3.1 goals per game, but they’re averaging 3.8 against.
If nothing else, Howard should help Bakersfield ramp up their offensive attack in the upcoming Term. It can also help get newbies moving forward in a way they didn’t have as a pro.
At Michigan State, Howard enjoyed great offensive success. In 37 games during his Hoyey Baker Season, he had 52 points and led the nation in points per game. He has also had an attacking form in his appearances at the World Juniors, winning gold two years ago while scoring seven goals in seven games.
He is a great scoring talent, but he needs to get that back.
Howard need look no further than Edmonton teammate and contemporary Matthew Savoie who has spent most of his time in the AHL, becoming a reliable late-season reliever. Savoie posted 54 points in 66 games, gaining confidence and experience as an offensive leader at the professional level.
This fresh start may be just what Howard needs to get going. If he can manage to be a productive scorer in whatever time he has with Bakersfield, it probably won’t be long before Edmonton comes around again.
The Cubs return to action Friday night against the San Diego Gulls before taking on the Cofell Valley Fire on Saturday night.
2025 Bakersfield Gulls vs San Diego Gulls
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