Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Disgruntled Lightning Prospect Linked to Surprise Eastern Conference Rival

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 8:21 PM ET

Isaac Howard's time in Tampa Bay is all but over, and now, a top Rangers reporter has revealed that New York have immense interest in the Hobey Baker winner.

For months now, the overwhelming expectation around the National Hockey League is that the Tampa Bay Lightning are set to trade Isaac Howard, with neither side on the same page after drafting him in the first-round.

While he could always head to free agency in the summer of 2026, it makes sense for the Lightning to get an asset in return beforehand, with talks picking up in recent weeks.

At the 2025 NHL Draft, it was expected by many that Howard would become an Edmonton Oiler, but talks there have stalled, and now, a top Rangers reporter has revealed interest from New York.

'A little birdie told me not to rule them out as a possibility for 2024-25 Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard, who wants out of Tampa and could comfortably fit under the cap on an entry-level contract.'

That comes from Vince Mercogliano of USA Today, and while the Lightning may not want to trade him to a conference rival, if the offer is there, this would be a team that makes sense for Howard.

It's unclear exactly what New York would offer, but after moving out names like Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko in recent times, they're a team that definitely need to get younger.

Ultimately, the young forward tallied 26 goals and 52 points last season with Michigan State, and it's clear he's ready to make the jump to the NHL, and with interest picking up in recent times, don't be surprised to see a deal done soon, whether it be with Edmonton, New York or another team.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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