The Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers made headlines on July 9, 2025, by completing a significant trade involving high-profile prospects. The deal sees the Oilers send their 2024 first-round pick, Sam O’Reilly, to the Lightning in exchange for Isaac Howard, a former first-round pick from 2022 and the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner.
O’Reilly, chosen 32nd overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, was Edmonton’s second-ranked prospect, according to The Athletic. The 19-year-old center had an impressive season, scoring 28 goals and recording 71 points over 62 games with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers in October 2024 but opted to return to junior hockey, where he helped lead the Knights to a second consecutive Robertson Cup and a Memorial Cup victory.
In contrast, Howard, who was selected 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, emerged as one of Tampa Bay’s top prospects. The 21-year-old left winger had a standout season at Michigan State University, scoring 26 goals and amassing 52 points in just 37 games. His accolades include the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, often regarded as the college hockey equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, as well as being named the Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Player of the Year and earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli provided insights into the motivations behind the trade, stating, “The Oilers believe Isaac Howard is ready to enter the NHL immediately – expected to sign, leave Michigan State Hockey, and be in Edmonton’s opening night lineup.” He characterized the trade as intriguing, noting that some scouts consider O’Reilly to be the superior long-term prospect, while Howard is considered NHL-ready at this time.
The trade drew attention from analysts, including Corey Pronman of The Athletic, who assessed the deal’s impact. He graded the trade a B+ for the Oilers and a B- for the Lightning. Pronman expressed a preference for Howard as a prospect, citing his greater offensive potential. However, he acknowledged that Howard’s public desire for immediate NHL action, along with a trade request, limited Tampa Bay’s leverage in negotiations. He remarked, “That the Lightning were able to procure a solid prospect at a more valuable position is decent for them, given the circumstances.”
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises as they look to enhance their rosters and build for future success. The Oilers aim to capitalize on Howard’s immediate readiness, while the Lightning look to develop O’Reilly’s potential in the coming years.
The dynamics of this trade reflect the ongoing strategy in the NHL, where teams are increasingly willing to engage in transactions that may alter their futures significantly. As the offseason progresses, both clubs will seek to leverage their new assets to achieve greater competitive advantage in the league.
