The Edmonton Oilers have made a late-season call-up as the continue their fight for the Pacific Division title.

On Sunday, the team recalled forward Isaac Howard from its American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.

The news comes after the Oilers lost forward Max Jones during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. The grinder went down in the opening period after a rather awkward hit attempt and was later pronounced out for the remainder of the game after logging just 2:07 of ice time. The Oilers went on to lose to their Pacific Division rivals by a measly score of 1-0.

Jones’ injury comes just a few days after Jason Dickinson was hurt after blocking a shot. Star forwards Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman are also among the names absent from the forward group due to injury.

Howard is having a dynamite rookie season with the Condors. While some were disappointed he was unable to make the Oilers roster at the beginning of the season, last year’s Hobey Baker Award winner has made the most of the situation. In 45 games, the Hudson, Wis. native has scored 22 goals and 25 assists for 47 points. He sits third among rookies in goals and fifth in points, while also placing himself third on the Condors in tallies and tied for fourth in points, trailing the likes of fellow rookie Quinn Hutson and veteran winger Seth Griffith.

Howard would probably be Bakersfield’s leading scorer had he not made a number of appearances with Edmonton this year. In 28 games with the big club, the 22-year-old has potted two goals and three assists for five points, posting a plus/minus of -6 while averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time.

Despite losing to the Kings on Saturday, Edmonton was able to solidify a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the team’s seventh consecutive trip to the postseason. Now, with just two games left in the regular season, the Oilers look to clinch their first division championship since Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier were in action during the 1986-87 season. Edmonton (40-30-10) is second in the Pacific, one point back of the Vegas Golden Knights for first.

Edmonton hockey fans — think you and your crew know playoff hockey? Prove it at the Nation Playoff Draft Party on Friday, April 17th at the River Cree Resort & Casino. Build your playoff roster, compete against other teams throughout the postseason, and battle for $2,500 cash and Nation bragging rights. Team entry is $1,000 for groups of 8, which includes dinner and your first bevy. The night will be hosted by Ryder & Lisa from The Sauce and Tyler & Liam from ON Everyday, so expect plenty of energy, competition, and chirps. Spots are limited — sign your team up now at nationgear.ca. All proceeds from the event support KidSport Edmonton, helping ensure local kids can stay in the game.