Sometimes, plans change rather dramatically. Just last week, young hockey phenom **Isaac Howard** was reportedly focused on collegiate pursuits, even attempting to convince another promising player, Gavin McKenna, to join him at Michigan State University. Fast forward a few days, and the trajectory for the reigning **Hobey Baker Award** winner has shifted entirely towards professional hockey.
Following McKenna`s commitment to Penn State, the spotlight quickly turned to Howard himself. Tuesday marked a pivotal moment: Howard was acquired by the **Edmonton Oilers** in a trade with the **Tampa Bay Lightning**. The transaction didn`t end there; the 21-year-old forward promptly signed a three-year, entry-level contract with his new team, signaling his immediate intent to transition to the professional ranks.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the deal, Howard didn`t mince words regarding his feelings. “I`m super psyched,” he stated, his enthusiasm evident. He described the move as “such an unreal opportunity,” expressing gratitude to the Tampa Bay organization for facilitating the trade that allows him to begin his **NHL career**. His anticipation is palpable: “I can`t wait to get started.” He also found the prospect of joining the Oilers specifically appealing, calling it “such a cool place” and reiterating, “Couldn`t be happier.”
This swift turn of events came after Howard, originally a first-round pick (31st overall) by the Lightning in the 2022 **NHL Draft**, was unable to reach terms on a contract with Tampa Bay. He had been preparing to return to Michigan State for his senior season before the trade provided this new path.
For any young player, joining a team with generational talents presents a unique chance for accelerated development. Howard is acutely aware of this, expressing excitement about the possibility of sharing the ice with **Connor McDavid** and **Leon Draisaitl**. The opportunity to learn from two of the best players in the world is clearly a significant draw for him as he looks to grow his game at the highest level.
In essence, a week that began with college recruiting ended with a professional contract in Edmonton. For Isaac Howard, the transition from collegiate star plotting campus life to NHL prospect signing his first deal has been sudden, unexpected, and, by his own account, an absolutely thrilling development.
