Isaac Howard ends MSU hockey career, signs contract after trade to Oilers

When Michigan State hockey players served as extras for the movie Fleury earlier this offseason, maybe it was a little prophetic that Isaac Howard played Mark Messier.

Because after the NHL offseason chips have settled, Howard will wear that Edmonton jersey next season.Related ArticlesGoran Suton returns to Michigan State as grad assistant on Tom Izzos staffMichigan football looks to revive offense under new coordinator, quarterbackCollege sports has a soft salary cap now.

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Enter Cooper FlaggHowards NHL rights were traded to the Edmonton Oilers for London Knights prospect Sam OReilly late Tuesday night, and the Michigan State star ended his college career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the club.Howard had previously announced his intention to come back to the Spartans in pursuit of a national championship, following up on a 52-point junior year that earned him the Hobey Baker Award as college hockeys top player.After his junior season, the 21-year-old Howard broke with what many expected by announcing that he was coming back to the Spartans after contract negotiations broke down with Tampa Bay, who drafted him 31st overall in 2022.I want to win a national championship, Howard said April 11 after winning the Hobey Baker.

I didnt play to win a Hobey.

I want to win a national championship.

I think were gonna have the group to do it.That intention came with the caveat, however, that his rights could be traded and he could sign a pro contract.This move isnt entirely surprising.

Over in Ann Arbor, the same situation happened with Michigan star Rutger McGroarty last season when Winnipeg dealt him to Pittsburgh.But Howards departure does leave Michigan State in a bind.

The roster still includes some high-end players, including top line center Charlie Stramel and stalwart goaltender Trey Augustine.The Spartans are bringing in a strong freshman class including 2024 fourth overall pick Cayden Lindstrom and first round draft pick Ryker Lee.

The roster should still have a dozen or more NHL draft picks.But losing a player of Howards experience and talent is nonetheless a big blow to a roster that expects to compete for a national championship.Last season, the Spartans lost 4-3 to Cornell in the first game of the NCAA Tournament, despite being the second overall seed in the 16-team field.

Two straight seasons of winning the Big Ten regular season and tournament have yet to end with Michigan State making a Frozen Four.Howard leaves Michigan State as a pivotal player in its rebuild, one who came to East Lansing as a sophomore who was looking to rekindle his game under Adam Nightingale, who coached him at the U.S.

National Team Development Program.

He said the decision to come to Michigan State even saved his life, as doctors found and treated him for a rare heart defect called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.He wraps up two seasons in East Lansing with 88 points in 73 games, including an iconic double-overtime goal to win the 2025 Big Ten Tournament against Ohio State.Howards next goal will be professional, as he joins an Edmonton team thats been on the losing end of two straight Stanley Cup Finals.

Led by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers can use Howards scoring punch on the wing, especially at a relatively cheap $950,000 price tag as reported by salary cap tracker PuckPedia.He is the fourth player from last years team to sign pro, after forwards Joey Larson and Karsen Dorwart, as well as defenseman David Gucciardi, signed pro deals at the conclusion of last season..

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