Howard scored a goal on seven shots, dished an assist and went plus-2 in Thursday's 2-1 preseason win over the Canucks.
Howard played well as arguably the best skater on the Oilers' roster in this road preseason contest. The 22-year-old's performance should improve his chances of breaking camp in Edmonton rather than Bakersfield. What kind of role awaits him with the Oilers is to be determined, but he would be best suited by playing at least in a middle-six capacity to begin 2026-27.