Edmonton prospect Isaac Howard (31st overall pick by TBL in 2022) is using a shoot-first mentality to avoid a reassignment to Bakersfield. Despite receiving only roughly ten minutes of ice time per night, Howard has recorded at least one shot per game in the last six contests with the Oilers. Those offensive opportunities are beginning to pay off on the score sheet for Howard, as he has two goals in ten games. Howard’s most recent tally came last night against the Utah Mammoth, helping Edmonton snap Utah’s seven-game win streak.
Meanwhile, Seattle prospect Oscar Fisker Molgaard is enjoying much early-season success in his first full campaign with Coachella Valley in the AHL. With four points (2G 2A) in six games for the Firebirds, the defensively responsible center clearly has adjusted nicely to the smaller ice surfaces in North America. Previously thought of as a defensive-minded forward, he has used his speed and physical play to earn special teams roles on both the power play and penalty kill. With the Firebirds sustaining numerous injuries in the early going, it appears his club will lean on him ever more heavily as the season progresses.
Finally, we arrive back in Long Island, where all eyes have been focused on top pick Matthew Schaefer. However, there is another D-man prospect in town, being former 6th round choice and hometown boy Marshall Warren. Minnesota drafted him with the 166th pick in 2019, and the Islanders signed him as a free agent when the Wild chose not to sign him following his collegiate career. Warren has been a welcomed addition to New York’s blue line, garnering two assists and +1 rating in two games so far in his young career. With Kashawn Aitcheson (17th overall pick in 2025) thriving in OHL Erie at a point-per-game pace through 13 contests, the Islanders’ future D-corps looks rock solid.