Isaac Howard Embraces Dream Chance with Oilers, Ready to Skate with McDavid, Draisaitl
Imagine going from dominating college hockey to suddenly having the chance to line up next to Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. That’s exactly the reality now for 21-year-old Isaac Howard, and he’s not hiding his excitement. Traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers, Howard is calling this an “unreal opportunity”—and you can hear the energy in his voice when he talks about what’s next.
Howard just wrapped up a stellar NCAA season, winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top college player and helping Team USA secure gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in 2022, he was prepping to return to Michigan State if a deal didn’t happen—but then came the trade. The Lightning moved him to Edmonton in exchange for Sam O’Reilly, and Howard immediately signed a three-year entry-level contract. In his own words, “I knew when I met with Edmonton, this probably was a spot I wanted to go. It checks all the boxes.”
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Now, there’s talk he could land in the Oilers’ top six, potentially skating with McDavid or Draisaitl. Think about that—going from college rinks to sharing ice with two of the NHL’s most electrifying players. “I don’t think you can get any better than that,” Howard said. “They’re different, but both so talented. I can’t wait to learn from them and soak it all in.”
Edmonton, a team chasing its elusive Stanley Cup after back-to-back Final losses, has seen some roster turnover, opening up key roles up front. Players like Evander Kane and Corey Perry are gone, and that’s where Howard could step in—bringing his skill, pace, and upbeat energy. He’s confident, even recalling his first time in Edmonton playing in The Brick Invitational as a kid, calling it “super cool” and admitting he felt like he was in the Stanley Cup Final even then.
Howard knows the NHL will be faster and tougher, but he feels ready, mentally and physically. He’s already had a taste of the pro environment with the World Championship and credits that experience for giving him a glimpse into the next level. And while he’s serious about hockey, he doesn’t leave his personality in the locker room. Known for his bold draft-day fashion—white suit, U.S. flag belt buckle—and charismatic interviews, he brings a mix of hard work and fun that teammates are bound to notice.
This is more than just another trade—it’s a young player stepping into the spotlight with one of hockey’s most watched teams, ready to prove he belongs among the elite. And for Howard, it’s not just a job—it’s a dream unfolding right before his eyes.
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