Howard, who won the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's hockey player last season, has a chance to go from the top line at Michigan State University to a top-six role alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl with the Oilers. It would be an impressive jump for the 21-year-old forward.

The Edmonton Oilers made a bold move by acquiring forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for 2024 first-round pick Sam O’Reilly.

The saga is over. The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Isaac Howard to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Sam O'Reilly.

Isaac Howard, who won the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey, was traded to the Edmonton Oilers by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday for Sam O'Reilly. Howard then signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Edmonton.

Isaac Howard will not return to Michigan State next season after the Edmonton Oilers traded for and signed him to a pro contract.

Isaac Howard was trying to get Gavin McKenna to be his teammate at Michigan State University. Everything changed Tuesday.

Edmonton acquired Isaac Howard from the Lightning in exchange for Sam O'Reilly. Howard also signed a three-year entry-level contract to turn pro after winning the Hobey Baker Award.

A failed trade attempt by the Edmonton Oilers to acquire highly-touted prospect Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning has been revealed by analyst Frank Seravalli.