Despite being a first-round selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers have decided to part ways with forward Sam O`Reilly.
On Tuesday night, the Oilers announced they have acquired 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for O’Reilly, who was picked 32nd overall in the 2024 draft class.
Howard, standing 5-foot-11, suited up for Michigan State in 37 games during the 2024-25 season, where he posted 26 goals and 26 assists for a total of 52 points. This impressive offensive production earned the left-shooting winger the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the top player in the NCAA.
The team also confirmed that Howard has signed a three-year Entry Level Contract (ELC) which will take effect starting in the 2025-26 season.
Originally drafted 31st overall by the Lightning in the 2022 NHL draft, the forward from Hudson, Wisconsin, had two strong seasons with the Spartans, amassing 34 goals and 54 assists for 88 points over 73 appearances.
Last spring, Howard was a member of the U.S. team that secured a gold medal at the 2025 World Hockey Championship. He appeared in four games during the tournament, recording one assist.
The 19-year-old O’Reilly played 62 regular-season games for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League last season, where he recorded 28 goals and 71 points. The Toronto native then played 17 playoff games in the OHL, scoring seven goals and adding 22 points to help the Knights win the J. Ross Robertson Cup, marking their second consecutive OHL championship.
O’Reilly`s 22 playoff points and his plus-24 rating both ranked third among all skaters on the London roster. He was also a significant contributor to the Knights` victory in the organization`s third Memorial Cup, participating in five games and tallying two goals and five points.
Duncan Priestley