'TRADE ALERT': Edmonton acquires top Tampa prospect, moving out their own top prospect in return
But fellow hockey writer Corey Pronman of the Athletic ranked Howard 33rd overall, saying, 'Howard is a player defined by his skill level. His stick skills are among the best in the draft. He can make quick and creative dekes consistently. He's known as a goal-scorer, but he can make creative passes and make difficult plays in small areas. Howard is a good enough skater for the NHL, but for a 5-foot-10 guy you'd like to see a little more burst. His goal scoring is more a product of his skill and willingness to attack the middle than an elite shot. He projects as a top-nine winger.'
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Since that time, Howard's stock has shot down, then up again. He had a mediocre first season in U.S. college hockey, scoring 17 points in 35 games for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. But his game took off after he transferred to the Michigan State, scoring 36 points in 36 games in his sophomore year, then 52 points in 37 games this year to win the Hobey Baker.
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In Pronman's ranking of the world's best players under the age of 2023 this past winter, he ranked Edmonton prospect Matt Savoie 129th overall, with Howard not on the list of 139 players.
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In February 2025, TSN's Craig Button had him ranked 43rd overall on his list of top NHL-affiliated players who weren't yet in the NHL.
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In January 2025, The Athletic's Wheeler said of Howard: 'Ultimately, Howard is a player who is always going to have PP utility but will require the right coach, usage and linemates to be the impactful top-six winger I think he's capable of being at five-on-five. It has been nice, though, over the last two years to see him play with more jump, get to more loose pucks, move his feet to get off the wall and to the slot/net, and be above and supporting more pucks when the other team has possession.'
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Talent evaluator Byron Bader had this to say about Howard this week: 'Isaac Howard looks pretty decent. Certainly worth acquiring for a pick around where he was taken, maybe a bit more.'
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And stats analyst Rono was more effusive, saying, 'If Edmonton really acquires Isaac Howard, that should extend Oilers' window for winning the Stanley Cup until like 2033. McDavid, Draisaitl, Howard, Savoie sounds very good to me. If both Howard and Savoie will be at least legit Top 6 wingers during their prime years of course.'
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