The Oiler Will Be Wisely Targeted Isaac Howard of Lightning – Hockey Writer – Edmonton Oilers

There is a lot of speculation that links the Edmonton Oilman to Tampa Bay Thunderbolt Outlook Isaac Howard, so let’s talk about it.

Updated with Isaac Howard.

Oilers and Lightning are still working hard to make the deal come true so that both parties are happy.

The Oilers want to sign Isa Howard in the deal, and it sounds like they made a fair offer to Lighting not long ago &…

— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2muttshockeypod) July 3, 2025

It all started with the prospect of Tampa Bay Lightning refusing to sign his entry-level contract with them, and now, it seems he would rather choose his signature because the Lightning shows that he is unlikely to sign with them. Some speculate why he is not interested in Lightning, but the most likely option is that he believes he is ready to jump to the NHL and if he sticks, he doesn’t seem to have a place.

Related: Edmonton Oiler 2025-26 Roster Projection 1.0

It’s not uncommon for prospects, especially those selected in the first round, to keep trading for trading, but that seems to be the case with Howard. But he is an elite prospect with some talent that oilers can take advantage of and they should pursue him strongly this summer if he is interested in signing with them.

What can Howard bring Howard to the oil workers?

First, let young people like Howard add to what the Oilers lack, an asset that can help now and in the future besides the selected players. Matthew Savoie is a classic example of a young player who is expected to be a major contributor next season but will continue to offer offensive production in the future. This will be key given that the Oilers’ goal is to compete for the Stanley Cup in the next season.

Now when it comes to Howard, he is an offensive mastermind. After an incredible season with the U.S. National Under18 team, he was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL Admission Draft, where he scored 33 goals and added 49 assists in 60 games to score 82 points. Last season with Michigan State in the NCAA, Howard scored 26 goals and added 52 points in 37 games to score 52 points, winning the Hobey Baker Award to become the NCAA’s top college player.

Like many young prospects, his defensive game will take time to translate to professional level, but it is stable enough to work hard while refining his offensive style, and other tools he has now prepared for the NHL level.

Some fans have pushed back online and don’t want him because of the risk of attitude issues. The main problem that fans seem to have is that they worry that he might be a problem and that he might qualify if he wants to choose his place rather than play with the drafting place.

Of course, it could always be a risk, but it’s also a risk for Evander Kane, who did a great job during his time as a oil engine. Howard’s original skill set cannot be ignored. He can find open spaces for himself and his teammates, create opportunities, and find open ice, which is different from what many peers can do at the NCAA level. His shooting was great, his skating was good, and it might be a valuable addition to the Oilers’ mid-six-for-squad-squad-six group, making it to the top six before the end of the season.

The Oilers should be willing to fork on a future first-round draft pick and hope to bring Howard in and if they are genuinely interested, they should actively pursue him. Lightning lacks leverage in this case, but if Howard’s rights expire in 2026, they may stick with it as long as they get a compensatory second-round pick. If they want a better return, it is safe to assume that the oil union is willing to trade some reliable assets to bring Howard into Howard, but time will tell you what will happen in the end.

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