The saga is over. The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Isaac Howard to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Sam O'Reilly.
Howard and the Lightning have been dealing with a contract dispute since the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The Hobey Baker Award winner was expected to sign his entry-level contract with the Lightning following his tremendous third season in college. Still, he refused to sign, as he describes the team and himself not seeing eye-to-eye.
The 21-year-old's decision put the Lightning in a difficult situation as Howard would have been able to walk into free agency at the end of the 2025-26 season. Instead of losing him for free, the Lightning were able to make a deal to swap forwards with the Oilers.
A report from Frank Seravalli indicates the Oilers believe Howard is NHL-ready and is expected to be in there lineup on opening night after signing his entry-level contract.
Joining the Lightning is 19-year-old center, Sam O'Reilly. Listed at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, the Oilers selected O'Reilly with the 32nd pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. O'Reilly played a vital role in the London Knights' success this season, as they won both the OHL Championship and the Memorial Cup.
O'Reilly set a career-high in goals and points this season, recording 28 goals and 71 points in 62 games. O'Reilly is described as a shutdown center with strong playmaking instincts.