The Edmonton Oilers acquired Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning and wasted no time signing Howard to a three-year, entry-level contract. Similar to the 2024 trade the Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins made, trading former first-round picks for one another (Rutger McGroarty for Brayden Yager). The Lightning and Howard could not agree on a contract. He was set to return to the NCAA for the 2025-26 season, rather than losing him for nothing, as Howard would have become an unrestricted free agent if he went unsigned before August 15, 2026. They were about to land O’Reilly, a 2024 first-round selection. Howard will now join an Oilers team that has made two straight Stanley Cup finals, losing both times to the Florida Panthers, and look to become a prominent contributor. An opportunity to play with Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid boosts Howard’s fantasy outlook should he stick in the NHL for the duration of the 2025-26 season. It’s not a guarantee, as we saw with McGroarty, as mentioned earlier, who was in a similar situation to Howard with the Winnipeg Jets, struggling in his first year of pro hockey and playing in the American Hockey League for part of the 2024-25 season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will not be signing their 2022 first-round pick as Howard plans to return to Michigan State University for his senior season in 2025-26, opening the door for his signing rights to expire in August 2026. Howard was named Big Ten Player of the Year in 2024-25 and won the 2025 Hobey Baker Award after leading Michigan State in scoring and was fifth in the NCAA with 52 points (26 goals and 26 assists) in 37 games.

Howard has continued the NCAA season with Michigan State, and saying he has adjusted well is an understatement. Currently leading the entire NCAA in points with 33, Howard has figured out how to score consistently. His 18 goals in 22 games are better than his first two seasons, where he put up 14 goals in 71 games! Even with goalscoring taking a significant leap, his playmaking hasn’t seen any decline. If Howard was not on your radar before, he should be now. Likely to sign his ELC after the season, it is not impossible that he could play with the Lightning as soon as next season.

After a mediocre first NCAA season playing for the University of Minnesota Duluth, Isaac transferred to Michigan State. In his second NCAA campaign, now with Michigan State, he led the team in points, helping them make a Quarter Finals appearance. Howard took a big step in his playmaking game with a team-leading 28 assists. While his playmaking has shone, his scoring seemingly took a backseat. Suiting up for Team USA at the World Juniors, he tied Jonathan Lekkerimäki for most goals in the tournament, putting any fears about scoring to rest. Development is progressing as hoped, and at a continued pace, he should not have an issue becoming a top-six player. Going into this season, Howard could have a shot at making the NHL roster this year, but odds are he’ll spend at least one more year in the NCAA. His long-term projection remains unchanged, and he should have no problems making the NHL in due time.

The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Howard with the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.