For nearly three years, Tampa Bay Lightning fans have been excited about top prospect Isaac Howard. Sure, the team has suffered some rough trades that cost the Lightning some valuable draft picks and have lost some valuable players, but there are reasons to be excited about the future, and it starts with Howard, especially after the season he had at Michigan State, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as the top college hockey player. However, the hype has turned to panic.
Over the last few days, fans on social media have pleaded for the Lightning and Howard to agree on an entry-level contract (ELC). It looks like he will return to college for another year, and time for both sides to come to a deal is running out. Howard can become an unrestricted free agent if he’s unsigned before Aug. 2026.
It is difficult to find any specific details for why there is a stalemate. Most speculation has to do with them having disagreements about his development. A trending quote from Howard gave validity to that hypothesis.
“I just feel like with me and Tampa, I guess we didn’t see eye to eye the same way I thought we would,” he said. “It wasn’t a situation where I was demanding to step right into the NHL. It wasn’t anything like that.” (‘Is top prospect Isaac Howard’s Lightning future in the rear view?’ Tampa Bay Times, April 12, 2025.)
It’s normal for a top prospect to sign his ELC after spending some time in college or in Juniors. However, it’s rare that a signing never happens. Losing out on the one first-round pick they’ve had all decade, especially with the talent he’s proven to have, could set this team down a dangerous path.
What Howard Has Shown Since Being Drafted
Howard has done nothing but continue to progress during his time in college and show his abilities on the world stage. During his award-winning season in Lansing with the Spartans, he had 38 goals and 41 assists for 79 points in 59 games.
Michigan State won the Big Ten championship and reached the NCAA Tournament. In the 4-3 win over Ohio State to win the conference, Howard got on the score sheet each time with two goals and two assists. His second goal was the game-winner.
His efforts in college earned him a spot with Team USA in the 2024 World Junior Championship and Howard tallied seven goals and two assists for nine points in seven games as Team USA won its first of back-to-back gold medals. In the gold medal game, Howard scored two in Team USA’s 6-2 rout over Sweden.
Related: Lightning Recall Conor Geekie From AHL Syracuse
Howard has proven to be a versatile player who can perform in big games. He’s ready to take on a new challenge in the professional realm, even if he’s playing in the American Hockey League (AHL). However, if the Lightning aren’t careful, that AHL affiliate he plays for might not be Syracuse.
Lightning Need to Be Careful
Picture this for the future: Howard is out there alongside Conor Geekie and Dylan Duke as a new triplets line. The original triplets line featured then-new faces such as Nikita Kucherov, Tyler Johnson, and Ondrej Palat. They went on to be pivotal players in back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. One of those players likely just locked up his third Art Ross Trophy.
This could be the same scenario for this next group.
Right now, it’s not looking like it’ll happen. The Lightning have one more chance to sign Howard next year, but that assumes they find common ground in that time. The future could be in trouble if they’re unable to sign him, especially if he reaches unrestricted free agency.
If the Lightning are going to move on from him, the least they can do is trade his rights. It’s important to get something out of him while they can if he isn’t going to play for them. His high ceiling should provide them with a solid haul and set them up for the future in another way.
Regardless, they need to play their cards right. How the next 15 to 20 years could and likely will be determined by how this plays out. They could set themselves back for years if they make the wrong moves.
