Isaac Howard, the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, has officially parted ways with the Tampa Bay Lightning after a highly publicized stalemate in contract negotiations. The reigning NCAA top player, who amassed 29 points in 37 games at Michigan State, now heads to the Edmonton Oilers in a trade for Sam O’Reilly.
Howard’s departure marks a significant shift in the Lightning’s prospect pipeline, as the organization pivots to O’Reilly, a promising two-way forward. While Howard’s Hobey Baker-winning season showcased his elite offensive prowess, comparisons to O’Reilly—a 2024 first-round pick—will dominate offseason debates.
The trade ends months of speculation after Lightning GM Julien BriseBois acknowledged Howard’s likely exit, citing the forward’s desire to “choose the best fit.” Now, the spotlight turns to whether O’Reilly can fill the void left by college hockey’s brightest star.
- Isaac Howard, the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, was traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly, highlighting a significant shift in both teams’ prospect pools.
- The trade followed a reported stalemate in contract negotiations between Howard and the Lightning, with salary cap restrictions preventing Tampa Bay from meeting his immediate NHL roster demands.
- Comparisons between O’Reilly and Howard—who dominated college hockey with 169 shots and 29 points in 37 games—will intensify, as Howard’s elite status (Jim Johannson College Player of the Year) sets a high benchmark for the incoming Oilers prospect.
Why Did Isaac Howard Choose Free Agency Over the Lightning?
Isaac Howard, the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner, has made headlines by publicly stating his intention not to sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team that drafted him 31st overall in 2022. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois confirmed the split, acknowledging Howard’s desire to control his NHL destination. This marks a rare case of a top NCAA prospect rejecting his drafting team before turning pro.
The decision stems from Howard’s belief that another organization better aligns with his development path. His outstanding college career at Michigan State, where he led the Spartans to a Big Ten championship while showcasing elite offensive skills, has given him leverage in choosing his next step.
How Good Is Sam O’Reilly Compared to Isaac Howard?
The Lightning pivoted quickly from the Howard situation by acquiring Sam O’Reilly from Edmonton. While Howard brings elite NCAA credentials, O’Reilly offers a different skillset honed in the OHL. The trade represents a classic “win-now vs. future potential” swap between the franchises.
Statistical comparison (2024-25 season):
| Metric | Howard (NCAA) | O’Reilly (OHL) |
|---|---|---|
| Points/Gm | 1.42 | 1.31 |
| Shots/Gm | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| +/- | +28 | +19 |
What Teams Could Sign Isaac Howard in 2026?
With Howard returning to Michigan State for his senior year, speculation begins about his eventual destination. Several factors will influence his choice:
- Opportunity for top-six minutes
- Organizational depth at wing
- Playing style compatibility
- Market size preferences
Potential suitors could include:
- New York Islanders: Need scoring wingers and were previously linked in reports
- San Jose Sharks: Rebuilding with ample opportunity
- Chicago Blackhawks: Could pair him with Bedard
Why Would Howard Fit the Islanders’ System?
The Islanders’ structured style under Lane Lambert might initially seem counter to Howard’s creative offensive game. However:
- Their lack of elite wingers creates opportunity
- Mathew Barzal’s playmaking would complement Howard’s finishing
- Long Island’s proximity to Michigan could appeal
How Rare Is It for a Hobey Baker Winner to Reject Their Drafting Team?
Historical precedents show this situation is unusual but not unprecedented:
| Player | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Vesey | 2016 | Became UFA, signed with NYR |
| Will Butcher | 2017 | Signed with NJD instead of COL |
| Cale Makar | 2019 | Honored draft commitment to COL |
The key difference? Howard is doing this pre-emptively rather than waiting for free agency. His early honesty with Tampa Bay allowed them to recoup value via trade.
Who Got the Better Deal: Lightning or Oilers?
The trade’s true evaluation won’t come for years, but initial analysis favors:
- Tampa: Acquired a player with similar draft pedigree while avoiding losing Howard for nothing
- Edmonton: Gambled on higher upside despite Howard’s uncertain commitment
Oilers GM Ken Holland knows Howard from his Michigan connections. This insider knowledge may explain Edmonton’s willingness to take the risk.
What Does This Mean for NHL Draft Strategy?
The Howard situation may cause teams to:
- Vet college-bound prospects more thoroughly about NHL intentions
- Consider trading picks for players further along in development
- Re-evaluate how they sell their development plans to draftees
The rising leverage of elite NCAA players could shift draft dynamics, especially for teams picking late in the first round where many college-bound players are selected.