Isaac Howard

Isaac Howard (born March 30, 2004) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a winger for the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

He played college ice hockey at Michigan State and won the Hobey Baker Award in 2024–25. He was drafted 31st overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 NHL entry draft.

Playing career Howard competed at the 2022 BioSteel All-American Game. He was drafted in the first round, 31st overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 NHL entry draft.

College

Howard began his college ice hockey career for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs during the 2022–23 season. During his freshman season he recorded six goals and 11 assists in 35 games.

On March 25, 2023, Howard announced he would transfer to Michigan State for the 2023–24 season. During his sophomore year he recorded eight goals and 28 assists in 36 games.

During the 2024–25 season, in his junior year, he recorded 26 goals and 26 assists in 37 games. During conference play he led the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 16 goals and 17 assists in 24 games. Following the season he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and the Big Ten Scoring Champion. He also won the Hobey Baker Award. During the 2025 Big Ten tournament, he recorded three goals and two assists in two games, including the game-winning goal in double-overtime to help Michigan State win their second consecutive Big Ten tournament championship. He was subsequently named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team and Big Ten Tournament MVP.

Professional On July 8, 2025, Howard's NHL rights were traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Sam O'Reilly. He then signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers, beginning during the 2025–26 season. He scored his first NHL goal on October 21, in a 3–2 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators.

International play

Howard represented the United States at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics and won a silver medal.

Howard represented the United States at the 2021 World U18 Championships, where he recorded one goal and three assists in five games. He later represented the United States at the 2022 World U18 Championships, where he was the leading scorer for the United States, with six goals and five assists in six games and won a silver medal.

On December 16, 2023, Howard was named to the United States roster to compete at the 2024 World Junior Championships. He recorded a team-leading seven goals and two assists in seven games and won a gold medal.

Howard made his senior national team debut for the United States at the 2025 World Championship, where he recorded one assist in four games and helped the team win its first gold medal since 1933.

On May 7, 2026, Howard was added to the United States roster for the 2026 World Championship.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honors Award Year RefCollege All-Big Ten First Team 2025 Big Ten Scoring Champion 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year 2025 Big Ten All-Tournament Team 2025 AHL All-Rookie Team 2026