Following MSU’s postseason loss to Cornell in the NCAA regional, discussions emerged about Howard potentially signing his entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, who drafted him 31st overall in 2022. However, Howard and the Lightning could not reach an agreement, ending the possibility of a contract. Tampa Bay ultimately traded him to the Edmonton Oilers in a one-for-one deal for a first-round prospect.

Howard’s junior season with the Spartans was one for the record books. He tallied 52 points, including 26 goals and 26 assists, helping MSU capture back-to-back Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, along with consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. Howard was a dominant force in the green and white.

The Wisconsin native played a crucial role in MSU’s recent success and collected an impressive list of postseason honors. He was named to the First Team All-Big Ten, earned Big Ten Player of the Year, was the Big Ten Scoring Champion, and took home Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. He was also recognized as Academic All-Big Ten.

Beyond the conference, Howard became the first Spartan since Ryan Miller in 2001 to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. He was also named an AHCA First Team All-American and received the Jim Johannson College Hockey Player of the Year award.

As part of the trade, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Sam O’Reilly, Edmonton’s late first-round pick in 2024, taken 32nd overall. O’Reilly played 62 games for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, recording 28 goals and 43 assists, and helped the team win the Memorial Cup.

Howard’s next step will be joining the Oilers for training camp in September, where he will have the chance to earn a spot on the opening-night roster and officially begin his professional career.