The Edmonton Oilers continue to make waves in the trade market this summer. On Tuesday evening, the team acquired and signed forward prospect Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Sam O’Reilly.
There had been rumblings since the draft that the Oilers were targeting the Hobey Baker Award winner, and speculation intensified over the past week as fans wondered whether Edmonton would pull the trigger on a deal for the 21-year-old winger, who was selected 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Now that the deal is done, Oilers fans online are buzzing with excitement about the addition.
“Hate to see SOR go but the Oilers basically turned their 2025 first into an NHL-ready prospect.” — TakenKhariaYa via X
“Oilers fans… Stan Bowman KNOWS what he is doing!!! This trade is going to be a huge win for the Oilers!!!” — Trent Wilhauk via X
“Regardless of the outcome of the Oilers’ 25-26 season, this team just got a lot more fun to watch. Bowman certainly followed his word when he said he wanted to get younger & faster.” — Bouchbombs via X
“Part of the reason I loved the Savoie trade last summer despite giving up McLeod was that it showed the Oilers were finally prioritizing skill and upside, and now they’re doing the same with Howard. Even if these guys don’t work out, the Oilers need to keep this mentality.” — Oilersopinions via X
“Top-six player right now for a bottom-sixer ceiling. Wow.” — NHL_Bouchard via X
“I really really like Sam O’Reilly, but that is elite asset management from Stan Bowman.” — Jcwats via X
The reaction among Oilers fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many comparing it to last year’s McLeod-for-Savoie deal, which was an aggressive, forward-thinking move. But Lightning fans? Not so thrilled.
“Would rather have a player that wants to be here than a bum that doesn’t. All in on getting something outta nothing.” — WeissHockeyTalk via X
“The Isaac Howard era is finally over, thank god.” — FFB_Peet via X
“Honestly, this is a great trade. Howard had a huge ego and didn’t want to be here.” — Seemee8116 via X
“I like this trade. Howard seemed to think he was all that. O’Reilly just plays the game. I think he will be beneficial.” — Carrie Kershaw via Facebook
“Bye, Felicia! Good riddance to Howard. Me-first guy. Good luck in the NHL with that mindset.” — Alex Getchell via Facebook
In early May, reports surfaced that Howard was unlikely to sign with Tampa Bay. That sentiment appears to have played a big role in the trade, and the perception from Lightning fans is that Howard put himself ahead of the team. That won’t bother Edmonton, though, as the Oilers are getting a high-upside player who may be ready to contribute immediately.
“Howard could end up being a terrific player, but here we go again getting rid of a guy who could’ve been a great 3rd-line center for us.” — Chris Makus via Facebook
“Both players are good prospects. Sad to see O’Reilly go, but Howard looks more NHL ready and the Oilers are looking to get a bit younger and faster. He will be given an opportunity to play in the top two lines. If you think about it, Nuge should be the number 3 centre, which clears a spot.” — Travis Turney via Facebook
“Howard: a gifted offensive winger with great puck skills and a quick release. Needs to get stronger but has top-six upside at the NHL level.” — Shawn Beaupre via Facebook
“Sneaky good move here. Rare W for Bowman.” — Fitted.Anonymous.13 via Instagram
“I like O’Reilly, but Howard is absolutely the far better prospect and way more ready right now. Sam could become the same in a couple years, but we need guys who can chip in either right now or next year—not three years from now. We should’ve had to add more to acquire Howard. This is a great trade. Howard and Savoie in the same prospect pool is very nice to see.” — Butdidyoudie.brz via Instagram
“This is awesome. Getting both Savoie and Howard the last two summers (both who should/could be opening-night impact players) is very nice.” — Noahsouliere via Instagram
“I think Oilers fans and media overrated O’Reilly. His ceiling was a 3C, and we just got a potentially NHL-ready winger who could be Drai’s future LW. Like, c’mon, what a deal!” — Oilers.hub via Instagram
“The Oilers absolutely hosed Tampa on that trade, my God. O’Reilly wasn’t even a top-5 player on his CHL team.” — Bigflamesguy via X
“To EDM: the current Hobey Baker winner. To TBL: the 5th best player on his OHL team. Screw you, Tampa.” — ByfieldforHart via X (Kings fan)
When rival fan bases acknowledge the value Edmonton received, it’s a sign the Oilers might have pulled off something special. Bowman promised to get younger and faster, and he’s backing that up. With Howard now in the mix and Savoie poised for a full-time NHL role, the Oilers are injecting youth into what was one of the league’s oldest rosters last season.
Whether Howard reaches his ceiling or not, this move aligns with the direction the organization has stated it wants to take. And for now, fans are firmly behind it.
