Isaac Howard, the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner, has been traded to the Edmonton Oilers from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Sam O'Reilly. Following the trade, Howard signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Edmonton. The 21-year-old forward had an impressive last season at Michigan State University, tallying 52 points in just 37 games. His previous year was celebrated with his Hobey Baker win, although Howard had initially planned to return for his senior year to pursue a national championship.

Meanwhile, O'Reilly, a 19-year-old forward, also had an excellent season with the London Knights, registering 71 points. Selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, O'Reilly’s move to Tampa Bay may provide an exciting new chapter in his career.