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Edmonton Oilers Officially Complete Rare Trade with Tampa Bay Lightning

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 10:21 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers have officially acquired highly-touted prospect Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and have subsequently signed him to an extension, as confirmed by NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman.

After it became clear that highly-touted prospect Isaac Howard wasn't going to sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, they looked for their best options to facilitate a trade while also getting something back in return for him.

That trade has now been completed, as first reported by NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman. The Lightning traded Howard, whom they took with the 31st pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, to the Edmonton Oilers for Sam O'Reilly.

Coldplay concert interruption:
Tampa Bay and Edmonton have made a prospect-for-prospect trade

Sam O'Reilly for Isaac Howard

The Oilers themselves have since confirmed the move, while also noting that they've signed him to a 3-year entry level contract.

TRADE ALERT
The Oilers have acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O'Reilly. We have also signed Howard to a three-year entry-level contract.

After initially playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Howard transferred to Michigan State. This year, he earned multiple awards, including being named the Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Player of the Year and the Big Ten Scoring Champion with 52 points (26G, 26A) in 37 games.

Additionally, he won the Hobey Baker Award and also led the Spartans to their 2nd consecutive Big Ten men's ice hockey tournament championship.

He also represented the American squad in the 2025 World Championship, where they won gold for the 1st time in 92 years.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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