Four players from the University of North Dakota (UND) and a future recruit have received invitations to participate in the U.S. World Junior Championship Summer Showcase, scheduled for July 25 to August 2 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. Among the invitees are sophomore defenseman E.J. Emery, sophomore forward Mac Swanson, freshman defenseman Sam Laurila, and freshman forward Will Zellers, alongside goalie recruit Caleb Heil. The showcase will feature teams from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden competing in 11 games.

Notably, Gophers head coach Bob Motzko will lead Team USA at the World Junior Championship, which runs from December 26 to January 5. Emery, a highly regarded defenseman and a New York Rangers first-round pick, made last season’s preliminary roster but was ultimately cut. His selection this time highlights his growth as a top shutdown defender. The anticipation of seeing these players compete at this level fuels excitement among fans and scouts, particularly as the U.S. looks to defend its gold medal.

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 reigning Hobey Baker award winner and top player in college hockey, has made headlines with a surprising NHL trade that sees him leaving Michigan State University to join the Edmonton Oilers. Following a tumultuous relationship with the Tampa Bay Lightning, who drafted him in 2022, Howard initially decided to return to MSU for another season. However, the recent trade has changed that course, marking an end to his collegiate career.

In a twist of fate, while Howard departs, goaltender Trey Augustine has chosen to delay his own professional aspirations in favor of staying with the Spartans. This development is a bittersweet moment for MSU hockey fans, celebrating Augustine's decision while grappling with Howard's exit.

Isaac Howard, the standout Michigan State hockey forward, has embarked on his professional career after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. This move comes on the heels of a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he was swapped for forward prospect Sam O'Reilly. Howard's impressive collegiate performance, which culminated in winning the Hobey Baker Award, included a remarkable 26 goals and 26 assists in just 37 games for the Spartans last season.

Having been drafted 31st overall by the Lightning in the 2022 NHL Draft, Howard was expected to return to Michigan State for another season. However, contract negotiations did not progress favorably, leading to his shift to Edmonton. The Oilers, building on their recent playoff runs, now add a promising talent to their roster while the Spartans face the challenge of filling two open spots for the upcoming campaign.