The Edmonton Oilers have recalled F Ike Howard from Bakersfield.

F James Hamblin has been returned to the Condors.

The rookie was “sent out” yesterday in what amounted to a paper transaction, in order to help the Oilers squeak in beneath the NHL salary cap. But that shuffle complete, Howard is now poised to make his pro debut tomorrow.

He is projected to start on the fourth line with veteran pivot Adam Henrique, and Euro newcomer (but veteran skater) David Tomasek. That is a nice landing spot for a raw rookie: Henrique is a strong faceoff man with 993 NHL games on his resume. And this line may come upon some favorable matchups, in the search for offence.

Howard finished up his NCAA season in 2024-25 with 26-26-52 in 37 Big-10 games played and was +19.

Originally drafted by Tampa in th

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