The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] made a one-for-one trade on Tuesday night, sending forward prospect Isaac Howard [https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1942763221502550447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1942763221502550447%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=] to the Edmonton Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] for fellow forward prospect Sam O'Reilly. Howard told the Lightning that he wasn't going to sign with them and would walk to unrestricted free agency in 2026 if the Lightning didn't trade him. The Lightning got good value for him in O'Reilly, even though he may not be as close to NHL-ready as Howard is. He still projects to be a solid NHL player once he is ready. The Oilers signed Howard to an entry-level contract immediately after announcing the trade. Howard had been expected to return to Michigan State for the 2025-26 season but will turn pro after signing his ELC. He finished the 2024-25 season with 26 goals an 52 points in 37 games. He will given every opportunity to make the Oilers' main roster during training camp. O'Reilly is a good get for the Lightning after spent the 2024-25 season with the OHL's London Knights, finishing 28 goals and 71 points in 62 games. He will likely return to the Knights for another season this year. Howard made a lot of sense as a trade target for the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins], but they weren't going to do a McGroarty for Yager type of trade for a second year in a row. If they were going to trade for him, it likely would've been for a lower price. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwquDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more! Featured Image Credit: Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
