The Chicago Blackhawks are attempting to have a big off-season. It sounds like they don’t want to be in the basement of the NHL any longer. Development for certain players plus roster additions is the best way to take a step.
There is also one way to combine those two things. That is to take a look at Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard. Howard played his first year of college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. After that, he transferred to Michigan State, where he has played for the last two seasons.
Tampa drafted Howard in the first round, 31st overall, in the 2022 NHL Draft. Now, it doesn’t sound like the two sides are going to come together for a contract. He plans to attend Michigan State for his senior year instead of turning pro with the organization that drafted him.
“He values the opportunity to choose the club he believes best fits him." Tampa Bay GM Julian BriseBois said on Howard at exit interviews following their loss to the Florida Panthers in the first round. “Right now, I would say it’s unlikely that we will sign him.”
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Isaac Howard is unlikely to sign with the #GoBolts
“I had regular communication with him and his agent throughout the years. Our development staff, JP Cote in particular, spends a lot of time with all of our prospects.”
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There seem to be disagreements between the team and the player regarding his usage. If Howard were to sign with Tampa, he’d be used in a bottom-six role for a while, as their roster is loaded with championship-caliber talent. He seems more interested in an NHL team that will use him early and often.
If the Blackhawks wanted to take a run at Howard, they could do it one of two ways. They could wait until his rights with the Lightning expire. That will come after his senior year of college, and he’ll be a free agent on August 15th, 2026.
The other option is to trade for his rights and get him signed up. If he doesn’t agree to sign once acquired, however, it is too risky to trade for him and then let him go back to school.
During the 2024-25 season at Michigan State, Isaac Howard scored 26 goals and had 26 assists for 52 points in 37 games. This effort won him the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey. His shot is very deceptive and helps him create scoring chances for himself and teammates instantly.
If opportunity is what Howard is looking for in his NHL team, the Blackhawks make a ton of sense. He would fit in well with all of the youngsters in the organization who will eventually make an impact. Teaming up with a star forward like Connor Bedard may make Chicago worth taking a look at.
Howard was also teammates with defenseman Artyom Levshunov at Michigan State in 2023-24. That could be a relationship that brings the two together. Knowing someone already there may make Howard think about Chicago as an option.
Plenty of good teams out there will consider making the call on Howard this offseason. The Blackhawks must be one of them, as they may be the team most likely to fulfill his desires.
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