According to Frank Seravalli, Isaac Howard will not be signing his entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Howard, 21, is the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner, an annual award presented to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player.
The Michigan State Spartans forward scored 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games in 2024-25, leading the nation in points-per-game (1.41).
Howard has completed three NCAA seasons, meaning he can become a free agent on August 15, 2026, following his senior season if he chooses.
“I had regular communication with [Howard] and his agent throughout the years,” BriseBois said. “Our development staff, J.P. Cote in particular, spends a lot of time with all of our prospects, so it’s always a possibility, but yeah, it was a surprise.
“The scenarios are either he gets traded prior to August 15, 2026, or he goes to free agency on August 15, 2026. Those are the two likely scenarios.” (H/t THN’s Diandra Loux)
If Howard signs with another team in free agency, Tampa will receive compensation, a 2027 second-round selection.
BriseBois’ comments came after Howard committed to returning to Michigan State next season.
“I just feel like with me and Tampa, I guess we didn’t see eye to eye the same way I thought we would,” Howard told the Spittin' Chiclets podcast on April 11. “It wasn’t a situation where I was demanding to step right into the NHL. It wasn’t anything like that... It just didn’t necessarily work out.”
Howard is widely regarded as one of hockey’s top prospects, but his current situation offers BriseBois limited leverage.
If Howard chooses to turn professional at the end of his 2025-26 season, he can only sign with the NHL team that holds his rights.
Doing so would burn a year of his entry-level contract, allowing him to cash in on a more expensive deal a year early.
The question now is, could the New York Islanders acquire Howard?
That depends on one thing.
Was Howard's issue with Tampa's upper management, which included current Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche, the main reason why the two sides couldn't come to terms, or was it about a lack of opportunity?
I tend to think it's about opportunity, which is something the Islanders surely can offer.
He is NHL-ready with top-six potential, offering a well-rounded offensive game led by his creativity, lethal shot, and elite vision.
When forming a potential deal, a trade package for Howard could cost just about anything -- Tampa doesn't have the leverage.
If Howard was willing to change his mind and commit to signing an entry-level contract ahead of the 2025-26 season, a first-round pick would be necessary to satisfy a deal.
Fortunately, the Islanders have two first-round picks in 2026 following the Brock Nelson trade.
Since Howard has already announced his intention to return to Michigan State next season, his trade value has certainly dropped.
He presumably has a shortlist of teams he is open to joining and could do Tampa Bay a favor by informing them in advance.
While the Lightning have limited leverage, they will not settle for a return worth less than the compensatory second-round pick they would receive if Howard goes unsigned.
Of course, the Islanders would only consider a trade if they had Howard’s commitment, and it is unknown whether they are on the list.
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This story contained piece of a previous articley by our Michael Ostrower.