MONTREAL, QC - JULY 07: Tampa Bay Lightning pick Isaac Howard stands between management during the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on July 07, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Oilers acquire Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard from Lightning for Sam O’Reilly
  • Howard immediately signs 3-year entry-level deal worth $950K cap hit
  • Read below for full trade details and what it means for both teams

The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning pulled off a late-night prospect trade Tuesday. Edmonton landed Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard in exchange for 2024 first-rounder Sam O’Reilly.

Elliotte Friedman tweeted the news while apparently stepping out of a Coldplay concert. The grind never stops for that guy.

Howard wasted no time signing a three-year entry-level contract with Edmonton. The deal carries a $950K cap hit with performance bonuses that could bump the total value to $4.86 million.

Howard’s College Dominance

The 21-year-old winger absolutely torched college hockey last season. Howard found the back of the net 26 times and dished out 26 assists in just 37 games at Michigan State.

That ridiculous performance earned him the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player. But here’s the thing – winning the MVP as a junior isn’t always the best crystal ball for NHL success.

Still, Howard’s got serious international credentials. He helped Team USA capture their first World Championship gold in 92 years. The kid also went off at the 2024 World Juniors with seven goals en route to another gold medal.

Why Tampa Dealt Him

This wasn’t about talent. It was about leverage.

Howard declined to sign with the Lightning this spring and planned to return to Michigan State for his senior year. That put him on track for unrestricted free agency in August 2026.

Tampa Bay wasn’t about to let a Hobey Baker winner walk for nothing. They had no choice but to pull the trigger on a deal.

O’Reilly Heads South

The Oilers parted ways with Sam O’Reilly, their 32nd overall pick from 2024. The 19-year-old center put up 71 points in 62 OHL games with London last season.

O’Reilly’s got that sandpaper style Tampa loves. Think Sam Bennett-type pest who’ll be a beast in five years. He’s already showing strong defensive upside with middle-six potential.

For the Lightning, O’Reilly fits their timeline way better. They get a younger prospect with more runway while avoiding the Howard contract standoff.

Perfect Fit for Edmonton

This deal makes too much sense for the Oilers. Howard’s ready to compete for NHL minutes right now. Playing with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl? That’s gonna boost anyone’s numbers.

Edmonton needed scoring depth, and they got a proven producer. Howard wanted top-six opportunities immediately and wasn’t interested in AHL seasoning. The Oilers can give him that shot.

This is one of those rare win-win trades. Both teams addressed their needs and timelines.

Howard fits Edmonton’s Cup window. O’Reilly aligns with Tampa’s retool. Sometimes trades just work out for everybody involved.