The Edmonton Oilers reshaped their prospect pool by acquiring 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for fellow forward prospect Sam O’Reilly. Edmonton immediately signed the 21-year-old Howard to a three-year, entry-level contract, the clubs announced late 9 July. Howard led U.S. college hockey last season with 52 points, scoring 26 goals and adding 26 assists in 37 games for Michigan State. A first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2022, he also won gold medals at the 2024 World Juniors and 2025 World Championship. The Oilers expect the 5-foot-11 winger’s scoring touch and speed to push for a roster spot as early as opening night. Tampa Bay receives O’Reilly, 19, a 6-foot-1 right-shot centre drafted 32nd overall by Edmonton in 2024. O’Reilly produced 28 goals and 71 points in 62 games for the Memorial Cup-winning London Knights last season and is regarded as a strong two-way player who could anchor a middle line in the NHL within a few years. The trade follows Edmonton’s five-player haul at the June draft, highlighted by third-round centre Tommy Lafreniere and the feel-good selection of Hermosa Beach native Aidan Park, who waited in the arena to hear his name called with the 223rd and penultimate pick. Combined with the addition of Howard, the Oilers have added both immediate help and longer-term depth to their forward ranks.