The Isaac Howard era is officially over in Tampa Bay, as the Lightning sent the former first-round pick to Edmonton in exchange for one of the Oilers’ top prospects, Sam O’Reilly.
Howard had his first availability with the Edmonton media where he was asked about the process of being traded from Tampa.
“It was definitely a unique time,” said Howard. “I was back at school, training to go back (to Michigan State). Obviously, I knew there was a possibility of a trade. I didn't want to put all my chips in one basket. I was here just training, trying to be with the team and be grounded.”
Howard wasn’t aware of the trade between the Lightning and Oilers until about an hour before it was announced on Tuesday night. The 21-year old said he met with Edmonton and felt it was the place he wanted to go.
“It just checks all my boxes, and I knew if there's somehow it could happen, I would absolutely love it. When I found that out, I was just super pumped up and couldn't be happier.”
“I'm super psyched. It's such an unreal opportunity. I'm grateful that Tampa was able to get this done and I can't wait to get started. Definitely such a cool place and I couldn't be happier.”
As of last week after the NHL Draft, the Lightning and Isaac Howard had not yet reached a deal that could work for both sides. Howard wasn’t willing to play for the teams that could offer the Lightning an adequate return. So they waited.
In April, reports surfaced that following a standout season at Michigan State, Howard had his sights set on cracking a top-six role at the NHL level. It sounds like he may get a chance to do that in Edmonton.
“I think that's why I was so excited about this fit. I watched every single Oilers playoff game the last couple of years. I think just watching, it's such a high pace, skilled and fast, work ethic first. I think that's exactly my game, and I think that's why this could be such a great fit. I was really excited.”
