Lightning, Oilers Announce Major Trade of Top Prospects

Conversely, Howard, who was Tampa Bay’s No. 2-ranked prospect according to The Athletic, scored 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games at Michigan State this season.

In addition to winning the Hobey Baker, the college hockey equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, the 21-year-old left winger was also named the Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Player of the Year, he was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team, and he won Big Ten Tournament MVP.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli explained how the deal came together.

“#Oilers believe Isaac Howard is ready to enter #NHL immediately - expected to sign, leave @MSU_Hockey and be in Edmonton’s opening night lineup,” Seravalli wrote. “Fascinating trade. Depending on who you trust, some scouts think O’Reilly is the better long-term prospect. Howard is NHL ready now.”

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman, who’s regarded as one of the top NHL prospect analysts in the industry, graded the trade a B+ for the Oilers and a B- for the Lightning.

“I like Howard a bit more as a prospect,” Pronman stated. “He has notably more offensive potential. That said, his preference to want NHL games right away, and his trade request being public, didn’t give Tampa Bay a ton of leverage, especially given that his profile as a small, scoring winger isn’t overly valuable.

“That the Lightning were able to procure a solid prospect at a more valuable position is decent for them, given the circumstances.”