The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning have made a significant trade involving top prospects, shaking up their future rosters. The Oilers are sending Sam O'Reilly, the 32nd overall pick in 2024, to the Lightning for Isaac Howard, the 31st overall pick in 2022 and the Hobey Baker Award winner for 2025. O'Reilly, a 19-year-old center, had an impressive season in the OHL with 28 goals and 71 points, while Howard, a 21-year-old left winger, had a solid college career with 26 goals in 37 games this past season at Michigan State.

NHL insiders are split on the value of the trade. Some believe O'Reilly has more long-term potential, while others assert that Howard is ready to make an immediate impact in the NHL. With Howard expected to join the Oilers for the upcoming season, this trade could significantly influence both teams’ playoff aspirations.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers executed a significant trade on Tuesday, swapping top prospects in a rare mid-July move. The Oilers traded 2024 first-round pick Sam O'Reilly, who tallied 28 goals and 71 points in 62 OHL games last season, for 2022 first-round pick Isaac Howard, who was recently awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA player. Howard, previously at Michigan State, scored 26 goals and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year.

The Oilers are optimistic about Howard's immediate impact, as he is expected to sign and join their lineup for the upcoming season. NHL analyst Frank Seravalli noted that scouts have mixed opinions on the trade's long-term outcomes, with some favoring O'Reilly as the better prospect overall. Corey Pronman of The Athletic assigned a B+ grade to the Oilers and a B- to the Lightning, citing Howard's offensive potential but acknowledging the trade's unusual leverage dynamics.

Isaac Howard, the latest Hobey Baker Award recipient, has officially joined the Edmonton Oilers following a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. In exchange, Tampa received prospect Sam O'Reilly. Howard, 21, recently completed a standout junior season at Michigan State, where he scored an impressive 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games, leading the Spartans to their second consecutive Big Ten title.

Drafted by Tampa in 2022, Howard’s impressive performance at MSU and his previous seasons at Minnesota Duluth demonstrated his exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills, making him a prime asset for the Oilers. This move is strategic for Edmonton, which seeks affordable talent in a financially constrained offseason.

In a surprising move, the Edmonton Oilers have traded Sam O'Reilly, their 2024 first-round draft pick, to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for the promising forward Isaac Howard. O'Reilly had a stellar season with the London Knights in the OHL, contributing significantly to their championship run, while Howard, a Hobey Baker Award winner, excelled at Michigan State, racking up impressive stats.

Howard's potential is highlighted by his 52 points in 37 games during the 2024-25 season, and his recent gold medal achievement with Team USA at the world hockey championship. As part of the trade, Howard has signed a three-year Entry Level Contract, starting in the 2025-26 season, solidifying his future in the NHL.

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.