The Oilers acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly, both teams announced on Tuesday.
The Oilers then announced they signed Howard to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Originally selected 31st overall by the Lightning at the 2022 NHL Draft, Tampa’s general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed at the end of last season that he didn’t expect to sign the Michigan State star.
Howard, 21, led all skaters in NCAA scoring last season with 52 points and was tied for third in goals with 26. He participated in the IIHF World Championship in 2025 and helped Team USA win a gold medal.
A native of Hudson, Wisc., Howard won the Hobey Baker award in 2025 as the NCAA’s top men’s hockey player.
O’Reilly, a Toronto native, was selected 32nd overall by the Oilers at the 2024 NHL Draft. He won a Memorial Cup with the OHL’s London Knights in 2025.
