Just last week, Isaac Howard was trying to convince Gavin McKenna to join him as a teammate at Michigan State University.
Everything changed dramatically on Tuesday.
Hours after McKenna announced his commitment to Penn State, Howard was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Howard, the recent recipient of the Hobey Baker Award, presented annually to the top NCAA men`s hockey player, also signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton team.
“I`m incredibly thrilled,” the 21-year-old Howard stated during a Zoom press conference with reporters on Wednesday. “It`s truly an amazing opportunity. I`m thankful that Tampa was able to facilitate this. I`m really looking forward to getting started. It`s definitely such a cool place. I couldn`t possibly be happier.”
Howard, who was a first-round selection by the Lightning (31st overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, had not reached contract terms with Tampa and was making plans to return for his senior season at Michigan State before the trade took place.
Duncan Priestley