In a significant transaction impacting both organizations` prospect pools, the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning completed a trade on July 8, 2025. The Oilers have acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Lightning, sending forward Sam O`Reilly in return. This move sees a recent first-round draft pick exchanged for an accomplished college hockey star who immediately joins the Oilers` system on an Entry Level Contract.
Isaac Howard: From NCAA Star to Oilers Prospect
Isaac Howard, a 21-year-old left-shot winger, arrives in Edmonton having completed two highly successful seasons at Michigan State University. Originally drafted 31st overall by the Lightning in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, the 5-foot-11 forward elevated his game dramatically, particularly in his final collegiate season. During the 2024-25 campaign, Howard recorded an impressive 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) over 37 games, statistics that earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA`s top player. His overall college tenure saw him amass 88 points (34 goals, 54 assists) in 73 games.
Adding to his recent accolades, Howard also secured a gold medal with Team USA at the 2025 World Hockey Championship, contributing one assist in four appearances. His acquisition by the Oilers was immediately followed by the announcement that he has signed a three-year Entry Level Contract, slated to begin with the 2025-26 season, signaling the team`s intent to integrate him into their professional ranks without delay.
Sam O`Reilly: A Brief Stint in Edmonton`s System
Departing the Oilers organization is 19-year-old forward Sam O`Reilly. Selected just a year prior, 32nd overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, O`Reilly had demonstrated considerable promise during his time with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. In the 2024-25 OHL regular season, the Toronto native posted 71 points (28 goals) in 62 games. He further solidified his reputation as a clutch performer during the OHL playoffs, contributing 22 points (7 goals) in 17 games to help the Knights secure their second consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cup.
O`Reilly`s strong post-season performance extended to the Memorial Cup, where he played a key role in London`s championship victory, adding 5 points (2 goals) in five games. Despite this recent junior success and his status as a high draft pick, the Oilers opted to leverage his value in exchange for the more seasoned college prospect.
Analyzing the Swap: Development Paths Diverge
This trade represents a classic exchange of prospect profiles. The Oilers acquire a player in Howard who, while older, has demonstrated elite offensive capabilities against high-level competition in the NCAA and is seemingly on a shorter development timeline to potentially impact the professional roster. His Hobey Baker win underscores a significant step forward in his game, making him a high-value asset.
Conversely, the Lightning gain O`Reilly, a younger player with excellent pedigree from major junior hockey, still navigating the initial stages of his post-draft development. His success in the OHL and Memorial Cup is undeniable, suggesting a high ceiling, but typically players transitioning from junior require more time before becoming NHL regulars compared to top NCAA graduates. For Edmonton, trading a first-round pick drafted just 12 months prior might raise an eyebrow, suggesting either a perceived mismatch in their organizational timeline for O`Reilly or a high conviction in Howard`s ability to contribute sooner. It`s a calculated bet on both sides, with the Oilers prioritizing a prospect ready for the professional step, while Tampa Bay adds a promising, albeit younger, piece to their future pipeline.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow