Edmonton Oilers Make Stunning Splash, Land Hobey Baker Winner Isaac Howard in Blockbuster Trade With Lightning 

The Edmonton Oilers have just pulled off a move that has the entire NHL buzzing — and possibly shaking. In a trade no one saw coming, the Oilers have acquired the rights to 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for rising forward prospect Sam O’Reilly. Almost immediately after the deal, the Oilers inked Howard to a three-year entry-level contract, and he is expected to make his NHL debut with Edmonton to open the 2025–26 season.

It’s a jaw-dropping development for a franchise already rich with offensive talent, and it signals that general manager Ken Holland — or his successor if Holland retires — isn’t interested in coasting off recent success. Instead, Edmonton just added another weapon to its arsenal, and a highly decorated one at that.

Howard, who led the NCAA in scoring this past season with 72 points in just 38 games at Michigan, was nearly unstoppable down the stretch. His scoring touch, elite skating, and hockey IQ made him the obvious choice for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top men’s collegiate hockey player. The 5-foot-10 winger combines top-end speed with a nasty release and a relentless motor, making him a nightmare for defenders in transition and on the power play.

While fans in Tampa may be reeling at the decision to part with such a high-upside prospect, the Lightning’s brass clearly felt they had to address other roster needs — and in Sam O’Reilly, they acquire a smart, versatile center who rose quickly up the Oilers’ prospect ranks. O’Reilly’s two-way game, leadership qualities, and scoring upside made him one of Edmonton’s most intriguing young assets, but he was ultimately expendable with the opportunity to add someone of Howard’s caliber.

From the Oilers’ perspective, the move is nothing short of a power play.

Just a few short years ago, Isaac Howard was a first-round selection by the Lightning in the 2022 NHL Draft, going 31st overall. He entered college with high expectations and didn’t disappoint, steadily developing into one of the most electrifying players in the college game. By the 2024–25 season, he wasn’t just a scoring threat — he was the most dangerous forward in college hockey.

His decision-making in the offensive zone is elite, often threading perfect passes or picking corners from awkward angles. More importantly, Howard’s competitiveness has never been questioned. He plays like someone with something to prove — and now, he’ll have the stage to do it on one of the NHL’s biggest platforms.

For Oilers fans, the excitement is off the charts. Adding Howard to a core that includes Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard creates an offensive avalanche that could terrorize the league from Day 1. If Howard transitions quickly to the NHL game — and all signs point to him being ready — Edmonton could be looking at another Calder Trophy finalist, if not the favorite.

Insiders say Edmonton was aggressive in their pursuit of Howard, recognizing the rare opportunity to grab a ready-made offensive phenom on the verge of NHL stardom. With McDavid and Draisaitl both approaching critical stages of their contracts, the Oilers want to keep the competitive window open — and slam it wide open with impact additions. Howard does exactly that.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch will now have an intriguing new tool at his disposal. Early indications suggest Howard could slot into a top-nine role immediately, with potential time on the second power-play unit as he gets acclimated. But if preseason and early-season performances go well, don’t be surprised to see him alongside either McDavid or Draisaitl before long. His blend of skill and tenacity is tailor-made for fast-paced, high-octane line combinations.

Fans are already dreaming of what Howard could look like flanking McDavid on a rush, or floating on the wing during an Edmonton man advantage. It’s a tantalizing thought — and it could be a nightmare for opposing goaltenders.

But what about the cost?

Sam O’Reilly was no slouch in the Oilers’ pipeline. A third-round pick in 2023, the London Knights product blossomed into a cerebral, tough-nosed center with top-six upside. He put up 91 points in the OHL this season and has steadily drawn comparisons to players like Bo Horvat and Chandler Stephenson — reliable, hardworking centers with offensive flair. Tampa Bay, which has often leaned on strong development and internal growth due to cap constraints, is betting that O’Reilly can be their next breakout.

Still, the difference in ceilings between O’Reilly and Howard is undeniable. Howard projects as a potential game-breaker — the kind of forward that can tilt the ice and change the course of a playoff series. That’s the kind of upside the Oilers couldn’t resist.

The signing came just hours after the trade was announced, signaling that Edmonton had done their homework and had confidence in their ability to get Howard under contract. With his entry-level deal officially signed, Howard will join the team for development camp and potentially even preseason play. And if he looks NHL-ready — as many expect — the 2025–26 campaign could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Oilers hockey.

Social media exploded in the hours following the announcement. Oilers fans flooded timelines with highlights of Howard’s absurd goals at Michigan. NHL analysts debated where Howard would rank among the league’s top rookies entering the season. Even Connor McDavid reportedly reached out to welcome the new addition to the fold, a signal that the team’s leadership is fully on board with the new blood being injected into the lineup.

Isaac Howard himself expressed his excitement in a brief statement released by the Oilers.

“This is a dream come true,” Howard said. “I’ve watched Edmonton play for years and admired the talent on this team. To be able to come in and learn from some of the best players in the world, and to compete for a Stanley Cup right away — I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

While the hype is real, the Oilers will also have to manage expectations. Not every Hobey Baker winner makes an instant impact at the next level. But if Howard’s trajectory continues the way it has — and he adapts to the NHL’s speed and physicality — Edmonton may have landed the steal of the summer.

In the broader landscape of the NHL, this trade also sends a message: the Oilers aren’t standing pat. They want to win now. The heartbreak of previous playoff exits, the pressure of capitalizing on the McDavid-Draisaitl era, and the hunger for a return to championship glory have created a sense of urgency. Acquiring Howard is not just a strategic move — it’s a statement of intent.

As the hockey world continues to digest the trade, one thing is clear: the 2025–26 season just got a lot more interesting. Edmonton already had firepower. Now they have another elite weapon with the potential to become a star. Isaac Howard has arrived — and he’s wearing blue and orange.

Stay tuned. The Isaac Howard era in Edmonton is officially underway.