EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan State junior forward Isaac Howard signed a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers after Edmonton acquired Howard’s rights in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
The 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner will forgo his last year of eligibility at Michigan State.
Howard, 21, was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. But after contract negotiations between Howard and Tampa Bay fell through this spring, Howard announced his intention to return to Michigan State for his senior year.
That was until Tuesday night, when Edmonton traded forward Sam O’Reilly to the Lightning for Howard and signed him to a three-year entry-level contract.
Howard had 26 goals and 26 assists last season en route to becoming the first Spartan to win the Hobey Baker Award since Ryan Miller in 2001.
Michigan State hockey has two open spots on its 2025-26 roster.
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