In a surprising twist just weeks after the NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers have made a bold move—trading newly drafted forward Sam O’Reilly to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Isaac Howard, the standout college star fresh off a Hobey Baker Award win.
Announced Tuesday night, the trade sends shockwaves through Oil Country, especially since O’Reilly was Edmonton’s 32nd overall pick in 2024. But with Howard’s dazzling numbers and collegiate accolades, the Oilers are clearly betting on immediate upside.
NCAA’s Best Joins the Oilers’ Pipeline
Isaac Howard, a 21-year-old left-shot winger, lit up the NCAA with 52 points in 37 games last season at Michigan State, scoring 26 goals and matching that with 26 assists. His performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award as the top player in U.S. college hockey.
Originally selected 31st overall by Tampa Bay in the 2022 NHL Draft, Howard brings more than just stats. The Hudson, Wisconsin native has two strong college seasons under his belt and a World Championship gold medal with Team USA in 2025, where he played four games and tallied an assist.
Howard has also agreed to a three-year Entry-Level Contract (ELC), which will kick in for the 2025–26 season, positioning him as a key future piece in Edmonton’s offense.
O’Reilly Heads to Tampa with Championship Pedigree
While the Oilers gain an NCAA phenom, they part ways with a rising junior star in Sam O’Reilly. At just 19, the Toronto native had a breakout year with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 28 goals and 71 points in 62 regular-season games.
O’Reilly was even more impressive in the OHL playoffs, notching 22 points in 17 games and helping the Knights capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup for a second straight year. He followed that up by contributing five points in five games during the 2024 Memorial Cup, where London claimed its third-ever national title.
His impressive plus-24 rating in the postseason ranked third on the team, showcasing his two-way play and big-game presence.
A Win-Win Trade?
This trade reflects a classic hockey exchange—immediate skill for long-term promise. Howard is older, NCAA-tested, and likely closer to cracking an NHL roster. O’Reilly, younger and still developing, brings a winning mindset and top-tier junior experience to the Lightning.
For Edmonton, the move suggests a push to inject ready-made talent into the organization as they continue their hunt for a championship. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, adds a high-upside player who fits their strong development track record.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for trade updates, draft reactions, and NHL insights throughout the offseason.
