NHL Notebook: Oilers introduce top prospect Isaac Howard, Orlov excited for ‘new life’ with Sharks

Welcome to another edition of NHL Notebook, where we take a look at events across the league. It’s been a relatively quiet few days for the Toronto Maple Leafs, so we’ve got you posted on what’s happening elsewhere.

Oilers formally introduce top prospect Isaac ‘Ike’ Howard

Isaac ‘Ike’ Howard was formally introduced by the Edmonton Oilers to the media Wednesday, where the reigning Hobey Baker winner is looking to make an immediate impact. It makes things easy when presented with a chance to potentially play with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.

“I think that’s an unreal opportunity. I don’t think you can get any better than that,” Howard said Wednesday. “Those are two of the best players in the world; they could be the two best. It’s pretty incredible. I can’t wait to share the ice with those guys and pick their brain. They’re different in their own way and they’re both so talented and so good, and just hearing that [opportunity exists], it’s pretty incredible.”

Edmonton acquired Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for 2024 first-round pick Sam O’Reilly.

Howard told reporters he prefers to be called by Ike, and can’t wait to join an Oilers team that went to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.

“I think that’s why I was so excited about this fit,” Howard said. “I watched every single Oilers playoff game the last couple of years. I think just watching, it’s such high-paced, skilled and fast, and work-ethic first. That is exactly my game and I think that’s why this could be such a great fit and I was really excited.”

For more on Howard, our friends at OilersNation have you covered with everything you need to know about the 21-year-old.

Orlov excited for ‘new life’ with Sharks

Dmitry Orlov said he’s looking forward to a new chapter with the San Jose Sharks, after signing a two-year worth $6.5 million annually.

Orlov featured for the Carolina Hurricanes over the past two seasons and though he provided stellar regular season results, he was routinely picked on by the Florida Panthers during the Eastern Conference Finals. The 33-year-old is now looking for a fresh start on a Sharks team that is still rebuilding, but ascending.

“I know it’s kind of a rebuild, but [we] have a lot of good young players. For me I just want to change a little bit, [after the] last two years, it wasn’t easy for me mentally,” Orlov said via NHL.com’s Max Miller. “So, I just tried to move far away with a new team and a new life for me. It’s going to be interesting, and I’m actually pretty excited for that.

Orlov is the veteran in the room on a team that features Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, while 2025 second-overall pick Michael Misa could crack the NHL roster this fall. It’s an intriguing environment for Orlov at this stage of his career.

“When I came into the league the game changed already. You could see these young players, they have so much skill, so much speed at that age,” Orlov said. “It’s going to be fun for me to see them in practice. [Seeing] what they can do, [and making] sure they bring it at game time too. It is the first time I’m going to be an older player in the game. I’m actually pretty excited to see what’s going to happen and make sure we have fun.”