Oilers Acquire Hobey Baker Winner Howard From Lightning

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard, the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for 2024 first-round pick Sam O’Reilly. Howard, who scored 52 points in 37 games for Michigan State last season and recently won a gold medal with Team USA, signed a three-year entry-level contract with Edmonton that will begin in 2025-26. This trade came after Howard made a public request for a move following failed contract negotiations with Tampa Bay. Edmonton expects Howard, considered NHL-ready, to potentially join their top line alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a prospect that excites Howard. Oilers fans have expressed mixed feelings, optimistic about Howard's immediate impact but disappointed to lose O'Reilly, a two-way player known for his OHL championships. Analysts see the deal as a strategic step: Edmonton gets a near-ready talent, while Tampa Bay invests in long-term development.