AdminEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) – On Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers obtained 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for forward Sam O’Reilly, who was drafted 32nd overall in 2024.
Howard concluded the season with 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games, assisting Michigan State in securing the Big Ten regular-season and conference tournament championships, and received the Hobey Baker award as the top player in NCAA hockey. The team also disclosed that Howard has signed a three-year entry-level contract that will commence in the 2025-26 season.
Chosen by the Lightning as the 31st overall pick in the 2022 draft, Howard played two seasons with the Spartans, accumulating 88 points (34 goals, 54 assists) across 73 games.
In May, Howard helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2025 world hockey championship, participating in four games and contributing one assist.
The 19-year-old O’Reilly played 62 regular-season games with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League last season, notching 28 goals and 71 points. The Toronto native also performed notably in the OHL playoffs, registering seven goals and 22 points in 17 games, aiding the Knights in capturing their second consecutive OHL title.
FILE – Michigan State’s Isaac Howard (22) competes against Cornell during the first round of the NCAA college hockey tournament on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)
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