The Oiler takes Isa Howard from Lightning in exchange for Sam Orillily – Hockey Writer – Edmonton Oiler

After weeks of speculation, the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning have completed the deal. Lightning has traded Isaac Howard to the Oiler in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly. The oiler also signed a three-year entry-level contract for Howard.

🚨Trade Alert🚨

this #oilers Get forward Isaac Howard from Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly. We also signed Howard’s three-year entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/k3uhkpv6ik

— Edmonton Oilers (@edmontonoilers) July 9, 2025

Howard, 21, was drafted by lightning in the first round of the 2022 NHL entry draft, scoring 33 goals in 60 games and 82 points in 60 games after a strong performance with the U.S. National Under-18 team. He will move to the NCAA the following season, where he scored 17 points in 35 games before moving from the University of Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State. He has scored 34 goals in the past two seasons and added 54 assists in 73 games to score 88 points.

O’Reilly, 19, was selected in the first round with his 32nd draft in the 2024 NHL Admission Draft after he had a strong performance with the London Cavaliers (OHL) in the London Hockey League (OHL), which scored 56 points in 68 games. He scored 28 goals in the Cavaliers last season and added 43 assists in 62 games to score 71 points.

Howard will hope to be part of the Oilers next season, and time will tell how those two prospects fit into their new home.

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