Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, July 9, 2025 ~ After initially deciding to return to East Lansing for his final season on the ice, Michigan State Hockey forward Isaac Howard has accepted an entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers after being traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Howard, who won the Hobey Baker award last season while leading the Spartans to two Big Ten titles, could not reach an agreement with Tampa Bay, ultimately leading the team to trade the 31st overall pick in 2022 to Edmonton for fellow first-round draft pick Sam O’Reilly.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Thank you, man.
Isaac Howard leaves a lasting legacy at Michigan State becoming the 80th NHL player in program history!
Howard helped the Spartans to a 51-17-7 (31-11-6 B1G) record during his two years in East Lansing along with back-to-back Big Ten regular season and… pic.twitter.com/JVWyeZmGbh
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) July 9, 2025
(CONTINUED) In two seasons at MSU, Howard was nothing short of phenomenal. He recorded 26 goals and 26 assists during his junior campaign on the way to earning Big Ten Player of the Year. He also led the green and white to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
With Howard’s departure and projected 2026 no. 1 pick Gavin McKenna choosing Penn State over MSU, the Spartans are going to need massive seasons from Detroit Red Wings goaltender prospect Trey Augustine and transfer Cayden Lindstrom to carry on the winning momentum that Howard helped kickstart.
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