Two Oilers prospects face clear test to stay in Edmonton this season, says NHL analyst
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Daniel Lucente
Jan 5, 2026 (10:04)
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Photo credit: Sportsnet
NHL analysts revealed what Isaac Howard and Quinn Hutson must do if they want to remain in the NHL for the rest of the season with the Oilers.
NHL analysts spent the week weighing in on the Edmonton Oilers' decision to recall Isaac Howard and Quinn Hutson from the AHL, with the focus shifting quickly to what each player must do to remain with the NHL club.
The Oilers brought both forwards up on Friday as injuries and lineup instability created an opening. While the opportunity is there, most around the league agree the path to staying in Edmonton is narrow and role-dependent.
What one major factor is, according to NHL analyst Jason Gregor
Jason Gregor pointed to lineup structure as a major factor. Edmonton is unlikely to succeed in the postseason with three rookies entrenched in the top nine, making sheltered minutes critical.
A third-line role could offer Howard or Hutson more manageable matchups, while tougher competition alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl may expose inexperience.
Gregor also noted Howard must move the puck quicker to earn top-six trust, while Hutson's biggest hurdle remains adding strength, something that should come with time.
Tyler Yaremchuk highlighted Howard's off-puck play as the defining area for growth, stressing that defensive awareness will determine his NHL ceiling.
For Hutson, Yaremchuk saw promise and felt increased opportunity alone could unlock more consistency.
Why it may not just be the players alone that will influence things
Others believe coaching deployment will be decisive. Giving either forward fewer than 10 minutes per night limits development, and greater trust from Kris Knoblauch and his staff could make a meaningful difference.
Woz:
"The coaching staff needs to believe in them and not have such a tight leash. Playing under 10 minutes a night won't help anyone. If Knoblauch and company can give them a bit more trust, it could go a long way."
"The coaching staff needs to believe in them and not have such a tight leash. Playing under 10 minutes a night won't help anyone. If Knoblauch and company can give them a bit more trust, it could go a long way."
Baggedmilk:
"The Ice Man needs to remember to play some defence. His offensive instincts are sky-high, but he needs to remember that most of NHL games are played without the puck. As for Quinn Hutson, I think he's good enough to force someone out of the bottom six. Maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid again, but that kid looks like found money for a bottom-six role."
"The Ice Man needs to remember to play some defence. His offensive instincts are sky-high, but he needs to remember that most of NHL games are played without the puck. As for Quinn Hutson, I think he's good enough to force someone out of the bottom six. Maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid again, but that kid looks like found money for a bottom-six role."
There is also growing belief that Hutson may already be capable of pushing his way into a bottom-six role if given a longer look. The mountain to climb for these players definitely won't be an easy one.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 5 | 97 ANSWERS Two Oilers prospects face clear test to stay in Edmonton this season, says NHL analyst Should both these prospects remain with the Oilers in the NHL this season? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 43.3 % |
| Just Howard | 14 | 14.4 % |
| Just Hutson | 12 | 12.4 % |
| No | 29 | 29.9 % |
| List of polls | ||