Michigan State hockey forward Isaac Howard will start his pro hockey career rather than return to the Spartans. Howard signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, July 8, after being traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward prospect Sam O'Reilly.

Isaac Howard will not return to Michigan State next season after the Edmonton Oilers traded for and signed him to a pro contract.

When it comes to rookie right wingers, the Oilers crop in 1980-81 ranks with the all-time best for an NHL team. Jari Kurri (75 games, 32-43-75) and Glenn Anderson (58 games, 30-23-53) were instant plug-and-play impact wingers and would go on to Hall of Fame careers.

The Lightning had a fine prospect in Isaac Howard. Drafted in the first round in 2022, the American forward won the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Trophy this season.

Howard, who won the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's hockey player last season, has a chance to go from the top line at Michigan State University to a top-six role alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl with the Oilers. It would be an impressive jump for the 21-year-old forward.

With Gavin McKenna choosing Penn State over Michigan State University and Isaac Howard heading to the NHL, things just got real interesting for top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Porter Martone.