Howard, who won the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's hockey player last season, has a chance to go from the top line at Michigan State University to a top-six role alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl with the Oilers. It would be an impressive jump for the 21-year-old forward.

Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers trade for Hobey Baker winner from the Tampa Bay Lightning, sending a top prospect the other way to strengthen their roster ahead of a renewed Stanley Cup push.

The Oilers have made a trade, picking up Isaac Howard from the Oilers for their 2024 first-round pick Sam O'Reilly,

Although Michigan State has reclaimed a spot as one of the nation’s top hockey programs, Tuesday was a tough day. Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL draft, committed to Penn State over the Spartans. A few hours later, they lost the top player in the nation.

The Lightning had a fine prospect in Isaac Howard. Drafted in the first round in 2022, the American forward won the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Trophy this season.

After a Hobey Baker-winning season, two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, numerous game-winning goals and two memorable years with Michigan State University hockey, junior forward Isaac Howard has signed his entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers.