In a trade of top prospects, the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night sent the rights to their 2022 first-round draft pick, Isaac Howard to the Edmonton Oilers for the rights to the Oilers’ first round pick from 2024, Sam O’Reilly.
The Lightning initially drafted Howard from the US National Team’s Development Program. After being drafted by the Lightning in 2022, Howard returned to Michigan State University. In 2024-25, he had the strongest season of his career with 26 goals, 26 assists, 52 points, and a +19 season. The left winger is the reigning Hobey Baker award winner as the top men’s player in NCAA ice hockey.
Though he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the two-time defending Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers upon being traded, Howard does plan to also return to Michigan State for his senior season with his eyes on a National Championship.
“I didn’t play to win a Hobey,” he said to NHL.com, “At the end of the day, I want to win a National Championship. I think we’re going to have the group to do it. It comes down to the tournament at the end of the year. We’ve just to be ready and make sure we don’t leave anything on the table.”
The trade doesn’t come as too much of a surprise as after having his best collegiate season, Howard was hoping to be offered a contract by the Lightning. And when he went unsigned, tensions raised between Howard and the Lightning.
Howard is considered by many scouts to be close to NHL-ready. He has sharp shooting ability and is quick on his skates that could make him a great addition to the top six of the Oilers’ lineup.
O’Reilly, a right winger from Ontario, Canada, was drafted by Edmonton in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
O’Reilly has played the last four seasons with the London Knights of the Onatrio Hockey League. In 2024-25, the young 19-year old recorded 28 goals, 43 assists, 71 points, a +56, and incurred 40 penalty minutes in 62 games played for the Knights.
In last season’s playoff play, he had 22 points in 17 games.
O’Reilly is known for his size and physicality and ability to be a shutdown center. He is known for having fast speed, a strong motor to stay on the ice a while.
The right winger is expected to return to the Knights and could be NHL ready is about two years. But when he is ready, many say his strong skills will be a weapon in the NHL and he could fill the role of a two-way middle-six center.
O’Reilly could also earn a spot on Team Canada’s World Junior roster with a strong start to the 2025-26 season.