Oilers must promote Isaac Howard to fix broken power play

The beloved veteran is struggling to produce efficiently from the bumper position. Nugent-Hopkins lacks the shoot-first mentality required to keep penalty killers honest, settling for perimeter passes.

He has recorded just 9 power-play points this season, leaving the top unit looking incredibly predictable.

Opposing teams are flooding the flanks to shut down the superstars, daring the Oilers to shoot from the high slot.

That's where rookie Isaac Howard comes into the picture to solve this offensive puzzle.

Howard boasts an elite release and is constantly looking to put pucks on net from dangerous areas.

Moving Howard to the top unit gives Edmonton a legitimate scoring threat right in the middle of the ice.

With 14 goals already in the bank, the dynamic forward is proving he belongs in the show.

The defensive structure of opponents collapses entirely when a quick trigger is stationed in the bumper spot.

Making this difficult roster move also allows Edmonton to build a highly functional second power-play unit.

Nugent-Hopkins can anchor a solid PP2 squad featuring the physical presence of Vasily Podkolzin at the netfront.

Adding Matt Savoie and Mattias Ekholm on the flanks creates genuine scoring depth for the secondary group.

Jake Walman can confidently quarterback that unit from the blue line with his notoriously heavy point shot.

The Oilers are currently converting at a disappointing 19.4% clip on the man advantage since last Wednesday.

It's a tough call in the locker room, but Knoblauch must pull the trigger on this lineup adjustment before the upcoming homestand.