The Edmonton Oilers have recalled F Ike Howard from Bakersfield.

F James Hamblin has been returned to the Condors.

The rookie Howard 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 with that shuffle complete, Howard is now poised to make his pro debut tomorrow.

Howard 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 Tomasek adds size and skill to the trio. This line may come upon some favorable matchups, in the search for offence. And Howard already displayed in pre-season that he has the potential to be

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