Rookie winger Isaac Howard could be the value play bettors are searching for if he sticks on Edmonton’s top line with Connor McDavid.

As the NHL season approaches, bettors looking for value in player props should keep an eye on a potential breakout rookie flying under the radar: Isaac Howard of the Edmonton Oilers. While Calder Trophy futures are being dominated by names like Montreal’s Ivan Demidov, Howard could be a dark horse worth monitoring at +1500 in several betting markets.

Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 21-year-old Wisconsin native was traded to Edmonton, where his path to NHL ice time has become much clearer. The Oilers, fresh off consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, appear ready to give Howard a real shot and the early depth charts are proof.

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According to early reports, Howard is slotted on Edmonton’s top line alongside Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman, two of the most productive forwards in the league. That alone makes him intriguing in goal and point prop markets.

Howard is also reportedly set to skate on the second power-play unit, increasing his high-danger chances. With McDavid commanding so much defensive attention, Howard could benefit with clean looks and tap-in chances which could be an ideal scenario for goal scorer props.

Howard showed clear development over his three collegiate seasons. After a modest freshman year at Minnesota-Duluth (17 points in 35 games), he transferred to Michigan State, where his offensive game exploded. Last season, he posted 26 goals and 26 assists in 37 games, earning a nod with Team USA at the IIHF World Championships.

If you're looking to model Howard’s rookie year performance, think along the lines of Frank Vatrano or Elias Lindholm from last season in terms of production floor. But if everything clicks, especially with McDavid as a linemate, he could reach 50–60 points, much like Dylan Guenther’s breakout year in Utah. Howard will look to be a solid best bet to get a point through the season for the Oilers as his odds most games will likely hover anywhere from -125 to -190 as a decent syphon off of McDavid's point production.

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Isaac Howard Offers Serious Value in NHL Rookie Props on Loaded Oilers Line