Michigan State's Isaac Howard celebrates his goal against Notre Dame during the third period in the Big Ten tournament on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Muni Arena in East Lansing. (© Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
It sounds as though 2022 Tampa Bay Lightning first round pick Isaac Howard will never play for the Lightning. At his end-of-season availability, Bolts GM Julien BriseBois said as much, admitting that the two most likely outcomes for the current Michigan State Spartans forward are either a trade or departure via free agency next summer. Could the friction between Howard and Tampa Bay afford the Red Wings the chance at a discounted prospect with the potential to pack a punch?
Let's start with a bit of context. Last season, as a junior, Howard broke out for 26 goals and 26 assists at MSU, earning the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top player. It appeared obvious he would sign with the Lightning after his season ended, then that signing never came, and Howard instead announced he would return to State for his senior season, after which he could hit free agency and choose his pro destination.
“When I chatted with Isaac, he was pretty candid, and I appreciated his honesty, and I thank him for his honesty,” said BriseBois after the Bolts season ended at the hands of the Florida Panthers this week. “He values the opportunity to choose the club that he believes is the best fit for him. And I won’t speak for him, but he values that. Right now, I would say it’s unlikely that we will sign him.” He then conceded that a trade or free agency departure are likelier outcomes.
The situation is broadly similar to the saga that unfolded with a different NCAA star from the state of Michigan last summer. Rutger McGroarty (a 2022 Winnipeg Jets first rounder) failed to come to an agreement with the Jets after finishing a dominant sophomore season (one that seemed a natural segue into pro hockey). McGroarty initially announced he would return to the University of Michigan for his junior season, before a summertime trade sent him to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he spent most of last season in the AHL.
McGroarty found NCAA success a bit quicker (39 points as a freshman, then 52 as a sophomore) than Howard (whose breakout came as a junior, having transferred to MSU after a disappointing freshmen season at Minnesota-Duluth), and the two aren't identical profiles, but the dynamic is similar.
As a player, Howard's greatest strengths strengths are his speed and finishing. He is excellent at working a counter attack and creating offense in transition, but that offense doesn't come at the expense of his work without the puck, where he clearly also takes pride. He was a valuable 200-foot presence on the USA World Junior team that took gold in 2024 in Gothenburg.
So, could Howard be a worthwhile trade for Detroit
The answer (predictably) is yes, at the right price and with the right expectations. To get McGroarty, Pittsburgh gave away its 2023 first rounder Brayden Yager. Given Howard and the Lightning's public separation, it's hard to imagine he would cost even that much. Instead, this is likely a chance to procure a high-end prospect at minimal cost. Then, a team might believe Howard's road to the NHL is faster than McGroarty's having played an extra year in the NCAA.
The question then becomes whether the Red Wings see Howard as a potential contributor next season at the NHL level, or whether it might make more sense to simply let him hit free agency next summer and then descend.
Given his offensive profile, the likely low cost, and the organization's close relationship with MSU, Howard definitely seems like a worthwhile swing for Detroit, whether this summer or next.
