The Edmonton Oilers have traded for forward Isaac Howard, sending Sam O’Reilly to the Tampa Bay Lightning in return. Howard has also agreed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers.
The Edmonton Oilers made a strategic move this offseason by acquiring forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly. In addition to completing the trade, the Oilers promptly signed Howard to a three-year entry-level contract, signaling their long-term investment in the young winger and their belief in his potential to become a key contributor in the years ahead. The move reflects Edmonton’s desire to continue building depth within their roster, particularly as they look to maximize their competitive window with a core that includes superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Bringing in a promising prospect like Howard not only adds youth and skill to the organization, but also indicates that the Oilers are thinking beyond short-term success and planning for sustainable excellence.
Isaac Howard, a former first-round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 NHL Draft, has been on the radar of NHL teams since his standout performances with the U.S. National Team Development Program. Known for his dynamic offensive skillset, Howard possesses exceptional skating ability, slick puck handling, and a scoring touch that made him one of the most exciting young forwards in his draft class. During his draft year, he played a key role for Team USA at the IIHF U18 World Championship, where he led the tournament in scoring and helped the Americans secure a silver medal. That performance further solidified his status as a top prospect, and the Lightning saw his potential when they selected him 31st overall.
Since being drafted, Howard has taken the traditional development path of many American prospects, spending time in the NCAA to round out his game. He began his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth before transferring to Michigan State, where he continued to develop his offensive game while working on the defensive aspects needed to excel at the NHL level. Scouts have praised Howard’s creativity with the puck and his ability to make plays in tight spaces. While he is not the biggest player on the ice, standing at around 5-foot-10, his agility and vision allow him to create scoring opportunities both for himself and his linemates.
The Oilers’ decision to trade for Howard reflects both their belief in his potential and their willingness to make bold moves to improve the organization’s depth chart. Sam O’Reilly, the player heading to Tampa Bay, is another promising young forward, and this deal represents a classic example of two teams with different needs and timelines exchanging assets to better align with their respective goals. O’Reilly had shown flashes of potential within the Oilers’ system, and Tampa Bay’s interest in him likely stems from his size, work ethic, and potential to develop into a reliable two-way player. For the Lightning, this trade may be about acquiring a player who fits better within their current structure and development philosophy, while for Edmonton, it’s about betting on high-end skill and upside.
Signing Howard to a three-year entry-level deal immediately following the trade signals that the Oilers are ready to integrate him into their system and give him every opportunity to grow within the organization. Entry-level contracts in the NHL are structured in a way that allows teams to evaluate young talent while maintaining cap flexibility, and Howard’s deal ensures that Edmonton can develop him within their own environment, be it at the NHL level, the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, or in continued partnership with college or junior programs if needed. The team will likely assess Howard’s readiness during training camp, and it remains to be seen whether he will start the season with the big club or require additional seasoning in the minors.
For Howard, this trade represents a fresh start and a chance to make a name for himself within a passionate hockey market. Playing in a city like Edmonton, where hockey is a central part of the culture, can be both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity for a young player. If Howard can adjust quickly to the pace of the professional game and demonstrate the same scoring instincts he showed in junior and college, he could carve out a role in Edmonton’s middle-six forward group in the not-too-distant future. His ability to play both wings adds to his versatility, and his offensive instincts could be especially valuable on the power play or in situations where the Oilers need an injection of creativity and speed.
The Oilers have been active in trying to reshape their roster to maintain their position as Stanley Cup contenders. After several seasons of near-misses and playoff heartbreaks, the pressure is on to capitalize on their generational talents in McDavid and Draisaitl. General manager Jeff Jackson and the Oilers front office have emphasized the need for balance—adding young, skilled players who can contribute on entry-level deals is one way to ensure they can surround their stars with quality depth while managing the salary cap. Isaac Howard fits that mold, and his addition could help offset the potential departures or declines of older players currently occupying key roles on the roster.
It’s worth noting that the Oilers have had some success in recent years with players making the jump from college or junior hockey into more prominent roles. The development staff in Edmonton has been focused on giving young players the tools they need to succeed at the next level, and the organization has invested in player development coaches, nutrition, mental health resources, and analytics to help prospects reach their ceiling. Howard will be stepping into a system that prioritizes growth and accountability, and he’ll have the benefit of learning from some of the league’s best players. Practicing and competing alongside elite talent can accelerate a young player’s development, and the Oilers hope that environment will bring out the best in Howard.
On the ice, Howard’s game is built around speed and offense. He has a quick release and isn’t afraid to shoot from anywhere in the offensive zone. His confidence with the puck is evident, and when he’s at his best, he’s constantly creating mismatches for opposing defenders. However, like many young offensive players, he will need to continue improving his defensive positioning, board work, and physical play to earn a regular spot in an NHL lineup. The coaching staff in Edmonton will likely work closely with him on those areas, and how quickly he adapts to the demands of the pro game will determine how soon he sees regular NHL action.
For Tampa Bay, the trade could be viewed as part of a broader effort to replenish their system with players who bring different skill sets. The Lightning have consistently been one of the most well-run organizations in the NHL, finding value in all areas of the draft and development process. Adding Sam O’Reilly gives them a forward with a high motor, strong hockey sense, and a team-first mentality—attributes that have long been hallmarks of successful Tampa Bay players. While he may not have the same offensive ceiling as Howard, O’Reilly may be a better fit for Tampa Bay’s system and timeline, especially if they are looking for players who can play responsible minutes and support their veteran core.
In the end, trades like this are a natural part of the NHL landscape. Teams make moves based on current needs, future projections, and philosophical approaches to team building. For Edmonton, acquiring Isaac Howard is a bet on upside, skill, and long-term potential. It’s a move that could pay significant dividends if Howard develops into the kind of player many believe he can be—a top-six winger with game-breaking ability. The three-year entry-level contract gives the Oilers cost control and time to evaluate his trajectory, while the departure of Sam O’Reilly, though not insignificant, is one the organization appears willing to make in pursuit of greater offensive firepower.
The Oilers’ fanbase, known for its passion and hockey knowledge, will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Howard’s progress. Every shift he takes in preseason, every goal he scores in the AHL or NHL, will be scrutinized as fans hope to see another young star emerge in the orange and blue. As for Howard himself, the next chapter of his hockey journey is just beginning, and he now has the chance to prove that he belongs among the NHL’s next wave of dynamic, high-scoring forwards. Time will tell if this move becomes a defining moment for both him and the Oilers, but for now, it represents a fresh opportunity filled with promise, potential, and plenty of excitement.
