Oilers Prospect Power Rankings: Howard Heads the Heap of Top Talent
In a detailed monthly feature, we present the latest power ranking of the Edmonton Oilers' most promising prospects, focusing exclusively on players not currently on the NHL roster. This evaluation provides insight into the organization's future talent pipeline and development system.
Defining the Prospects
The first order of business requires establishing clear parameters for what constitutes a "prospect" in this context. We have determined that any player currently on the NHL roster is ineligible for this ranking. This means talented young players like Matt Savoie and Josh Samanski, while certainly important pieces of the Oilers' future, won't appear on this list as they're already contributing at the highest level. Instead, we focus on the most promising projects developing within the organization's pipeline.
Top Prospect: Isaac Howard
1. Isaac Howard, 21, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
Drafted in the first round (31st overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022, Howard came to the Oilers organization in an off-season trade that sent fellow first-round pick Sam O'Reilly to Tampa Bay. The reigning Hobey Baker award winner as the top player in NCAA hockey last season, Howard has shown significant promise in his professional development.
So far this season, Howard has recorded 28 games played with 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in the NHL, along with 33 games played in the AHL where he's posted 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points. The soon-to-be-22-year-old winger (born March 30) began the season with the Oilers but struggled to find consistent production in a bottom-six role. However, he has demonstrated remarkable offensive capability as a rookie in the American Hockey League.
Condors head coach Colin Chaulk praised Howard's abilities, stating: "Isaac Howard is an explosive, dynamic offensive winger. Fast, a really good skater. A lot of upside. Lastly, I will say when he gets on the ice, it looks like something might happen."
Scouting report: Howard's skating immediately stands out as exceptional. He demonstrates excellent technique with knee drive, hip engagement, and maintained posture during tight maneuvers, deking, and backchecking. His top hand moves freely around his body, enabling impressive stickhandling displays. While handling the puck, he maintains excellent awareness, scanning the ice and adjusting his body positioning to handle pressure. He effectively uses hesitations and changes of pace to evade checking.
Second-Ranked Prospect: Quinn Hutson
2. Quinn Hutson, 24, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
An undrafted player who has emerged as a significant offensive threat, Hutson currently holds a narrow lead among all American Hockey League rookies with 26 goals and 49 points. This impressive production comes despite missing five games due to two brief callups by the Oilers in December.
So far this season, Hutson has played 4 games in the NHL with 1 goal and 0 assists for 1 point, along with 52 games in the AHL where he's recorded 26 goals and 23 assists for 49 points.
Condors general manager Keith Gretzky highlighted Hutson's development on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, noting: "He scored a goal in Coachella Valley that was like a goal-scorer like Mike Bossy. He works hard and he's learning how to kill penalties. If you want to play here, you've got to embrace those roles."
Scouting report: Hutson is a responsible, fast-paced winger with good defensive instincts. He demonstrates above-average skating ability combined with excellent hands and a pro-level shot that makes him a consistent offensive threat.
Third-Ranked Prospect: Connor Clattenburg
3. Connor Clattenburg, 20, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round (160th overall) in 2024, Clattenburg brings a distinctive energy and physical presence to the ice. His inaugural call-up to the Oilers was unfortunately derailed by injury after just five games, but not before he scored his first NHL goal while demonstrating the high-energy, physical style that has become his trademark.
So far this season, Clattenburg has played 5 games in the NHL with 1 goal and 0 assists for 1 point, along with 20 games in the AHL where he's recorded 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points. This feisty youngster plays with relentless intensity, knowing only one speed: pedal to the metal. After an eye injury sent him back to the AHL, he suffered a broken hand in a fight and has been recovering since.
The Edmonton Oilers' prospect pipeline shows promising depth with these three players representing different aspects of developing talent. Howard brings elite offensive potential, Hutson demonstrates consistent scoring ability, and Clattenburg provides the physical, high-energy presence that can complement skill players at the NHL level. Their continued development in the AHL will be crucial to their eventual contributions to the Oilers' success.
