Michigan State forward Isaac Howard will start his pro hockey career rather than return to the Spartans.
Howard signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 8 after being traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward prospect Sam O’Reilly.
Howard, who won the 2025 Hobey Baker Award given to the best player in college hockey last season as a junior, was set to return to East Lansing after contract negotiations with the Lightning broke down following MSU’s season. Instead, he’ll start his career in the Edmonton organization.
Howard was the 31st overall pick by the Lightning in the 2022 NHL Draft and had 26 goals with 26 assists in 37 games for the Spartans last season, including the double-overtime game-winning goal against Ohio State in the Big Ten tournament championship game.
Howard is now set to join the Oilers, who have reached the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Florida Panthers in each of the past two seasons.
The Spartans now have two open roster spots to fill ahead of the 2025-26 campaign following Howard’s departure. Earlier on July 8, top prospect and likely No. 1 overall 2026 draft pick Gavin McKenna committed to play at Penn State next season over the Spartans, who were the other finalist to land him.
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State hockey’s Isaac Howard traded to Edmonton, signs deal to begin pro career
Reporting by Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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