The Daily: Oilers Trade for MSU’s Howard; Why Pens Can’t Deal Rust

The Tampa Bay Lightning  traded unsigned 2022 first rounder Isaac Howard of Michigan State to the Edmonton Oilers for their 2024 first rounder Sam O’Reilly of the London Knights.

The one-for-one deal has already created a debate about who got the better end of the transaction. Howard was Tampa Bay’s 31st pick three years ago and won the Hobey Baker trophy this season as the best player in college hockey. He also played for the USA team that won the gold medal at the World Championships.

Howard and the Lightning couldn’t reach an agreement on a contract and Howard announced he would return to school for his senior season. He could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

#Oilers believe Isaac Howard is ready to enter #NHL immediately – signed out of @MSU_Hockey and be in Edmonton’s opening night lineup.

Fascinating trade. Depending on who you trust, some scouts think O’Reilly is the better long-term prospect. Howard is NHL ready now.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 9, 2025

After the trade was made, the Oilers immediately signed Howard to a three-year entry-level contract. The presumption is that he will be given an opportunity to make the Oilers roster.

Meanwhile, O’Reilly registered 28 goals and 71 points in 62 games for the Knights this past season. He was strong (22 points in 17 games) in the postseason to help the Knights win a second consecutive Ontario Hockey League title.

The match this kind of trade, the Red Wings would have needed to offer someone like Axel Sandin Pellikka or maybe Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. Would that kind of deal make them a better team?

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Eighteen years after going No. 1 and No. 2 in the NHL draft, Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk are playing together on the same team.

Paywall story: With the trade of Vladimir Tarasenko, the Red Wings don’t have a Russian player on their roster. But Dimitri Buchelnikov will be in North America next summer and Detroit drafted a Russian in the fifth round in the 2025 draft. Maybe the Red Wings are turning back the clock. To subscribe to a paywall story, click here:

The Red Wings are not closing the door on Michigan State player Red Savage. He’s the son of former NHLer Brian Savage.

Red Wings Extra

The Grand Rapids Griffins have released their logo for their 30th anniversary celebration. The AHL team’s historic season launches Sept. 21 when the Detroit Red Wings return to Grand Rapids for the Red & White Game. The event concludes Detroit’s 2025 training camp and marks the first visit to Van Andel Arena since 2011.

Celebrating 30 years of unforgettable plays, legendary players, and loyal fans. 🙌 #GoGRG

DETAILS >> https://t.co/p85osNvrI2 pic.twitter.com/Eyq877fgoB

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) July 8, 2025

Hockey Now Network

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Vegas: Hannah Kirkell explains how the Golden Knights changes will make them a better team in 2025-26. Vegas Golden Knights. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski explains why a Bryan Rust trade — the Red Wings are interested — could hurt the Pittsburgh Penguins.