The NHL offseason has been packed with drama, but few stories match the excitement surrounding Isaac Howard’s journey from Tampa Bay Lightning prospect to Edmonton Oilers forward. After watching the Oilers fall short in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers, GM Stan Bowman knew he needed to add talent while keeping the ‘Core Four’ together, landing a Hobey Baker Award winner who’s hungry to prove himself. That’s exactly what Edmonton needed.
The 21-year-old forward signed a three-year, $2.8 million contract with the Oilers. Howard will soon share the ice with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Howard can barely contain his excitement about this opportunity.
What Makes Playing With McDavid and Draisaitl So Special for Howard?
Originally drafted 31st overall by Tampa Bay in the 2022 NHL draft, Howard never signed with the Lightning. Everything changed when he was preparing to return to Michigan State for his final year of NCAA hockey in 2025-26. The Lightning and Oilers struck a deal that sent the 21-year-old winger to Edmonton in exchange for center Sam O’Reilly.
TRADE ALERT
The #Oilers have acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly. We have also signed Howard to a three-year entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/k3UHkpv6Ik
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 9, 2025
Edmonton is home to some of the most elite hockey players in the world, and Howard understands the significance of this moment. “I think that’s an unreal opportunity. I don’t think you can get any better than that,” Howard said.
When asked about what it means to play alongside Draisaitl and McDavid, the 21-year-old couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. He’s looking forward to learning from two of the sport’s best players. “Those are two of the best players in the world; they could be the two best. It’s pretty incredible. I can’t wait to share the ice with those guys and pick their brain. They’re different in their own way, and they’re both so talented and so good, and just hearing that [opportunity exists], it’s pretty incredible.”
Howard has been watching the Oilers closely and admires what the team brings to the ice. The speed, skill, and work ethic caught his attention during their playoff runs. “I watched every single Oilers playoff game the last couple of years. I think just watching, it’s such high-paced, skilled, and fast, and work ethic first. That is exactly my game, and I think that’s why this could be such a great fit, and I was really excited.”
Why Does Howard Fit Edmonton’s Budget and Timeline?
The left-winger brings serious production to Edmonton. Howard’s NCAA career was outstanding. He finished fifth in the NCAA while scoring 52 points (26 goals and 26 assists) in 37 games for the Spartans. His track record shows he can produce points consistently.
Howard’s hockey resume goes back years. The 21-year-old participated in the Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament when he was 10 and played for the U18 team of the USA Hockey National Training Development Program in 2021-22, scoring 82 points in 60 games.
The financial aspect makes this move even smarter for Edmonton. The Oilers face cap space challenges with the hefty contracts of McDavid, Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and Evan Bouchard already on the books. The team has also traded away many of its premium picks, putting pressure on management to develop younger talent.
At this point in Edmonton’s roster construction, a player of Howard’s caliber fills a crucial need. His combination of proven production and affordable contract gives the Oilers exactly what they’re looking for as they try to get over the Stanley Cup hump.
