The Edmonton Oilers have launched a new monthly feature ranking their most promising young talents, and the first edition has a clear front-runner. Isaac Howard, the 21-year-old winger acquired in an off-season trade, sits atop the inaugural Oilers Prospect Power Rankings.
Defining the Pipeline Talent
This new monthly series from Postmedia will track the progress of players within the Oilers' development system. The ground rules are clear: to be considered a "prospect," a player cannot currently be on the NHL roster. This means promising young NHLers like Matt Savoie and Connor Clattenburg are ineligible, allowing the spotlight to shine on the next wave of talent percolating in the minors and other leagues.
The rankings aim to give fans a focused look at the organization's future assets beyond the immediate lineup in Edmonton.
Howard Holds the Top Spot
Claiming the number one position is Isaac Howard. The skilled forward was the 31st overall pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 NHL Draft and came to Edmonton in a trade that sent fellow first-rounder Sam O'Reilly the other way. Howard arrives with impressive pedigree, having won the Hobey Baker Award last season as the top player in NCAA hockey.
His early professional journey in the 2025-26 season has seen him split time. He began with the Oilers, recording 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 17 NHL games while adapting to a bottom-six role. However, a subsequent assignment to the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors has allowed his offensive talents to flourish. In just 5 AHL games, Howard has piled up 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists), demonstrating the dynamic play that made him a college star.
Condors head coach Colin Chaulk praised Howard's abilities, calling him an "explosive, dynamic offensive winger" with great speed and significant upside. The scouting report highlights a gifted offensive player with excellent puck skills and a quick release, projecting him as a future top-six NHL winger once he adds more strength.
Jarventie Ranks a Strong Second
Securing the second spot on the list is Finnish winger Roby Jarventie. The 23-year-old was originally the 33rd overall pick by the Ottawa Senators in the 2020 draft. Now with Bakersfield, Jarventie is making a strong case for an NHL call-up with a productive start to the AHL season.
In 14 games with the Condors, he has scored 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists). Standing at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, Jarventie brings good size and a dangerous shot to the ice. Scouts believe that if he can stay healthy and put his past knee injuries behind him, he has the capability to step directly into a bottom-six role for the Oilers when an opportunity arises, with the potential to develop into a reliable middle-six forward. His game has also shown a welcome element of newfound physicality.
This first edition of the power rankings sets a benchmark for the Oilers' prospect pool. With Howard showcasing his high-end skill in the AHL and Jarventie proving he might be the most NHL-ready of the bunch, Oilers fans have tangible names to watch as the season progresses and the organization's future continues to take shape.
