Edmonton Oilers forward Sam O'Reilly (72) carries the puck against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/79cb4033-15b7-4d87-8fef-6b28cae43969.jpeg] Edmonton Oilers forward Sam O'Reilly (72) carries the puck against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images 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.
