What Happened
Edmonton Oilers forward Isaac Howard is expected to miss a couple weeks after leaving Saturday's game against the New York Islanders with a knee-on-knee injury, head coach Mike Babcock told reporters Tuesday. Babcock downplayed the severity, saying the injury is not a big deal. Howard, 22, also sat out Sunday's game against the New York Rangers. In a separate lineup change, defenceman Jake Walman will return Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils in place of Ty Emberson.
Key Details
- Howard was injured in a knee-on-knee collision Saturday against the Islanders.
- Babcock said Howard's injury is not a big deal.
- Howard, 22, had one goal and two assists in 12 games entering Saturday.
- Howard missed Sunday's game against the Rangers.
- Walman has not played since Oct. 26.
- Emberson has one assist and a minus-seven in nine games.
What It Means
Howard's absence removes a young forward from Edmonton's lineup for roughly two weeks, though Babcock's comments suggest the club expects a short recovery rather than a long-term loss. Walman's return adds a defenceman who has been out since Oct. 26, while Emberson comes out of the rotation despite Babcock saying the move is not about his play.
What's Next
Howard will continue to be evaluated while he sits out, with the Oilers hoping for a return within a couple weeks. Walman is expected to rejoin the rotation Tuesday against New Jersey.