Isaac Howard fits nicely into the plan Kyle Dubas has for the Penguins rebuild.
Last summer. Kyle Dubas made a bold move to acquire top prospect Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for his own top prospect Brayden Yager. McGroarty, then playing college hockey at the University of Michigan, made it clear he did not intend on signing with the Jets after college. That led to Dubas dealing for McGroarty, then signing a pro contract with the Penguins shortly after.
Fast forward to this summer and another college superstar may be on the market. Hobey Baker Trophy winner Isaac Howard from Michigan State, has reportedly told the Tampa Bay Lightning he will not be signing a contract with the team and the relationship has completely fallen apart between player and team.
Frank Seravalli: The relationship between the Lightning and prospect Isaac Howard is “over”, he will be moved at some point; lots of interest – Daily Faceoff Live
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 14, 2025
Howard, drafted 31st overall in 2022 by the Lightning, has until August 15th to sign his entry level deal or become a college free agent. If he does not sign, the Lightning will be awarded a compensatory second round selection.
From what is being reported, it seems the ship has sailed on Howard and the Lightning coming to a deal, meaning he will be headed for free agency in August, making him available to any NHL team at no cost.
Of course, the Lightning will do everything in its power to move Howard via trade to try and improve on that second round pick they will receive, but with the cost known to everyone, team could wait until after the deadline and not spend any assets to acquire Howard.
This season, Howard tore through the college ranks, recording 52 points in 37 games, leading the Spartans to a Big Ten championship and a spot in the NCAA tournament. Howard was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s to player for his efforts.
Now all attention turns to what happens with Howard now that appears he will not be joining the Lightning. All 31 other teams will be kicking the tires on Howard, and the Penguins should be right in the thick of discussions whether it be through a trade for the Lightning or making the call once he becomes a free agent in August.
With the draft on the horizon, Howard is a name to keep an eye on. If he stays true to his word and does not plan on signing with the Lightning, then trade talk surrounding him should pick up in a hurry.
Knowing that the Lightning are due a second round compensatory pick if he does not sign helps set the market a bit, and could drive down his price, but a hot market for the reigning Hobey Baker could force that price higher as teams up the ante.
Either way, it seems Howard will not be a member of the Lightning, thus putting his name on the trade market. For Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Howard fits perfectly into their plan to get younger and build up their system as they continue through the rebuild process. Do not be surprised if he hear the Penguins tied to the Spartans superstar in the coming weeks.