Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard acquired by the Detroit Red Wings: A major development is now confirmed over

Just weeks ago, the Red Wings were deemed the favorite to land Howard.

Last night, the Edmonton Oilers announced the surprising acquisition of the 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard from the Lightning for Sam O'Reilly, another promising forward, drafted in the first round by the Oilers in 2024.

For the Oilers, getting Howard is massive. The Wisconsin native is coming off an impressive season at Michigan State, where he scored 26 goals and 52 points in only 37 games, which earned him the Hobey Baker Award as the top player of the season in the NCAA.

Drafted by Tampa Bay 31st overall in 2022, Howard scored 88 points in the past two seasons with the Spartans and helped Team USA win gold at the 2025 World Championship.

Howard reportedly didn't want to sign with the Lightning, forcing GM Julien BriseBois to trade him.

Edmonton didn't waste any time getting him under contract , signing him to a three-year entry-level contract set to start in the 2025-26 season.

Meanwhile, the Lightning are adding a proven winner in O'Reilly. The 19-year-old from Toronto just finished another great season with the London Knights, where he scored 28 goals and 71 points in 62 games with a plus-56 goal differentia, before getting better in the playoffs, tallying 22 points in 17 playoff games to help London win their second consecutive OHL championship title.

Then, he played a key role in the Knights winning the Memorial Cup, adding five points in five games, including an assist on the cup-winning goal.

Over the past two seasons, O'Reilly's combined for 127 points in 130 OHL games, along with two league titles and a Memorial Cup.

Edmonton is hoping Howard can bring an offensive impact to the team for years to come, while Tampa Bay is banking on O'Reilly's experience and skills to help the Bolts win.