A top NCAA prospect could be hitting the trade market anytime in the near future. As reported by Elliot Friedman, and Sportsnet it is unlikely that 2022 Tampa Bay Lightning first-rounder, and 2025 Hobey Baker winner, Isaac Howard, signs with the organization.

It looks like this decision to not sign with the Lightning has been reached due to mutual disagreement between the player and team management on Howard’s developmental path. This disagreement provides every other organization in the NHL a prime opportunity to scoop up the high level prospect.

A player like Howard fits perfectly with the organizations evident signing strategy. It then raises the question of what could the Edmonton Oilers offer to acquire the NCAA star?

Who is Issac Howard?

Howard has long been a staple of USA hockey circles for a while. He started gettig on scouts radars when he was with the Shattuck St. Mary’s U14 team in the 2018–19 season and has since appeared for the USNTDP program, Minnesota-Deluth, Michigan State, and the USA National team on various levels.

Particularly his 2021–22 season led him to being selected 31st overall in the 2022 NHL draft, with Tampa’s only first-round pick since the 2019 draft.

After a brief pitstop with the University of Minnesota Deluth, Howard transferred to Michigan State, where he has since gone a point per game en-route to the 2025 Hobey Baker.

Howard’s on-ice production

YearLeagueTeamGPGAP21–22USHLUSNTDP Jr.2711263721–22NTDPUSA National Team U18 6033498221–22U18 WJCUSA U18 6651122-23NCAAUniv. Minnesota-Deluth356111723-24NCAAMichigan State368283623-24U20 WJCUSA772924-25NCAAMichigan State3726265224-25WCUSA––––

What type of game does Howard play?

The 5’11” forward plays an offensive sniper’s game which is highlighted by his high end shooting, skating, and pace. He attacks space with quickness and has deadly hand-eye coordination mixed with solid shot selection that undoubtably makes him a high scoring forward at the NCAA level.

Some of his limitations include his senses, puck management/efficiency, and defensive play.

All in all he could realistically be a solid top six forward for an NHL club, and should have an NHL eta in the next year or two.

Fit with the Oilers

Much like any player that gets to play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, it’s beneficial for their development and production. Howard would be a high end complimentary piece that adds long term depth, and another lethal shot that makes the offensive output less predictable for opposing teams.

What could the Edmonton Oilers offer for Howard?

Realistically it depends on what the Lightning decide they need, draft capital, or more pieces to contend for next season. If it’s the latter, that’s where it becomes tricky for the Oilers as they also need those same NHL ready pieces now too.

The draft capital deal

The one thing that makes this deal unrealistic is the fact that Tampa would likely not be looking for draft capital to come back their way. Tampa’s window for another cup is closing and they need to be able to compliment their current roster, not particularly build for the future.

The first rounder lets Tampa have a do over of their selection so to speak, and the third rounder equals the trade up. Additionally Tampa might want to take a flyer on a lower tier prospect like Connor Clattenburg as a throw-in to shore up their prospect depth.

This remains an unlikely trade considering Tampa’s priorities.

To Tampa BayTo Edmonton1st Round Pick 2027, (EDM)Issac Howard, F, (2004)3rd Round Pick 2025, (STL)Connor Clattenburg, F, 2004

The pieces trade

I’ll be honest this one makes less sense for everyone. Edmonton gets Issac and the Lightning, well, they get bits and pieces of low cap hit younger players that either could make their lineup moderately better and younger next season.

It’s with this trade that it becomes evident just how hampered by the cap that Tampa Bay is. It’s extremely unlikely that Tampa cashes in their one big trade chip for bits and pieces, but it could happen.

To Tampa BayTo EdmontonVasily Podkolzin, F, (2001)Howard Isaac, F, (2004)Sam O’Reilly, F, (2006)Quinn Hutson, F, (2002)5th Round Pick, 2026, (EDM)

The most likely deal

One intriguing option for the Oilers could be the trading of 2004 born prospect Mathew Savoie. Both players are at the same stage of development, and the same age. It all depends on the style of players that the Oilers want, a more rounded speedster, or one with a higher offensive flair.

Both project to be second line players of the future who are both quite close to NHL ready, so it would be a fair exchange. Additionally it also depends how much Oilers management trust Savoie’s development path.

This trade would be fair as a one for one, but to add in a mid-round pick to tip the tables could make it an even more enticing option for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This is a trade that allows both teams to win by improving their NHL rosters with a promising high potential forward, while not requiring any complex cap-acrobatics.

This also looks to be the most realistic trade between the three options, and this could actually make both teams ideal trade partners.

To Tampa Bay: To Oilers: Matthew Savoie, F, (2004)Issac Howard, F, (2004)5th Round Selection 2026 (EDM)

What this means for the Oilers organization

The Oilers could realistically take a swing at trying to acquire the Michigan State star forward if they wanted to. It all depends on the priorities of the Lightning, and what the Oilers are realistically willing give.

What do you think, should the Oilers try to acquire Howard? What do you think would be fair? Let us know in the comments below.

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