Oilers steal promising NCAA star from Lightning in surprise trade

The Edmonton Oilers acquired NCAA star Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Sam O’Reilly late Tuesday night, the club announced.

The Lightning drafted the 21-year-old Hobey Baker Award winner in the first round of the 2022 draft. The Bolts selected Howard 31st overall. But instead of turning pro, Howard returned to the NCAA, playing with the University of Minnesota and Michigan State.

Last season, Howard scored 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games with Michigan State, earning him the NCAA’s top award.

Howard did not sign with the Lightning following his selection in the draft. As such, the situation prompted the Lightning to trade his rights. The Oilers nabbed him and signed him to a three-year entry-level contract (ELC).

The ELC means Howard will not return to the NCAA next season. So, Oilers fans should expect to see Howard at training camp this fall. However, it’s unlikely Howard makes the team out of camp. The likeliest launching point for Howard will be the AHL.

Even if Howard starts the season with the Bakersfield Condors, he could get a call-up at some point in the season. The Oilers will want to see what they have in Howard as soon as possible. So, the club will be eager to give him a long look this season.

Oilers get NHL-ready prospect in Howard

The Oilers’ decision to move on from Sam O’Reilly is rooted in practicality. O’Reilly is 19 and finished his final season with the London Knights of the OHL. O’Reilly was also a first-round pick, the 32nd overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.

However, O’Reilly is much further away from the NHL than Howard. The Oilers likely parted with O’Reilly as the ETA on his arrival in the NHL is at least two years away.

The Oilers are looking for all the help they can get on an affordable contract. O’Reilly doesn’t fit that bill at the moment. Plus, Howard’s upside is much greater than O’Reilly’s.

Ultimately, the Oilers look to get the better player in this deal, taking advantage of the Lightning’s misfortune after being unable to ink Howard to an ELC.