The Edmonton Oilers’ injury update has created a short-term problem, but it may also hand Isaac Howard the kind of opening young players dream about.
The team announced that four players will miss next month’s training camp: newly signed goaltender Frederik Andersen, defenceman Alec Regula, and forwards Mattias Janmark and Matt Savoie. Oilers TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug later added that Andersen and Savoie are expected to be out until the end of October.
Sounds like Savoie and Andersen will be available late October or so. https://t.co/i0JOIiicM7
- Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) August 26, 2026
Andersen’s absence is significant enough that Edmonton is expected to begin the season with three goalies on its NHL roster. Savoie’s injury is also a hit, especially after he earned a real role with the Oilers last season and climbed into top-line territory down the stretch after the Olympic break.
It also arrives at an awkward time for a new coach getting his feet under him. With Mike Babcock entering his first training camp behind the bench, Savoie’s missed time could affect how the roster sorts itself out early on.
That’s where Howard comes in.
Entering his second NHL season, Howard has a clear chance to make a stronger case for himself. His rookie year didn’t quite match expectations at the NHL level, where he finished with two goals and three assists in 29 games. But in Bakersfield, he looked far more like the player the Oilers hoped they were getting.
Howard posted 50 points in 47 games with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring 24 goals and adding 26 assists. He also built strong chemistry with his teammates, particularly Quinn Hutson, who will be among the young players competing for a spot next month as well.
That AHL production suggests Howard’s game can travel. The next question is whether he can bring that same impact to the NHL. With Savoie sidelined, the path is there for Howard to show it.
The Oilers will be looking for another burst of youthful offense, and Howard has a real chance to raise his stock in a short preseason. What he does in camp could shape where he lands in the lineup, and once the regular season starts, he’ll have nearly a month to make his case with actual NHL games.
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