Inside source has Oilers linked to star Flyers forward in blockbuster trade rumour

A fresh Edmonton Oilers trade rumour is making the rounds, and it involves one of the most talked about young wingers in the NHL.

According to a post from Bleed Oil Blue on X, a source inside the Philadelphia Flyers organization says the Oilers could be discussing a package of Isaac Howard, a 2028 first round pick and a third round pick for Michkov.

It's worth stressing that this is a single unnamed source passed along on social media.

No established insider has backed it up, so treat it as noise until someone credible says otherwise.

The 21 year old Russian was picked seventh overall in 2023 and scored 26 goals and 20 goals in his first two NHL seasons.

This year has been rougher, with just two goals so far and a minus seven rating.

Fans also noticed earlier this week that he wiped his Instagram of anything Flyers related and made the account private.

That doesn't confirm a deal, but it certainly got people talking.

Howard is the centrepiece here.

Edmonton acquired him from Tampa Bay in July 2025 in exchange for Sam O'Reilly, after he won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey.

He then earned a spot on the 2026 NHL All-Rookie Team.

Add a 2028 first and a third rounder on top, and that's a hefty price for a player who has struggled this season.

Michkov does carry a $950,000 cap hit, and the talent has never been in doubt.

The real question is whether Philadelphia would move a former seventh overall pick this early in the year.

For now, this one sits firmly in the rumour pile.

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