Red Wings Should Kick Tires on MSU’s Isaac Howard (+)

NHL general managers are curious about a player’s decision to stay at Michigan State rather than sign an NHL contract And that player is not Detroit Red Wings goalie prospect Trey Augustine.

Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard, drafted 31st overall in 2022 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, is opting to stay with the Spartans for his senior season. Reports say that means he will not be signing with the Lightning. Based on the rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, he becomes an unrestricted free agent if he doesn’t sign by Aug. 15, 2026.

The presumption is the Lightning will trade Howard by the NHL draft. Multiple teams are interested. It’s unknown whether the Red Wings are among teams looking to acquire him.