The reigning Hobey Baker Award winner will not be returning to school after all. Would-be Michigan State senior forward Isaac Howard had his rights traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers and signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Western Conference champions.

The Bolts acquired 2024 first-round pick Sam O’Reilly from the Oilers in the deal.

Howard had an opportunity to turn pro with the Lightning at the end of last season, but talks broke down and the Spartans scorer opted not to sign and planned to return to school and ride out the year before becoming a free agent in August of 2026. That was unless the Lightning could find a suitable trade to a team that was able to get Howard closer to what he wanted in terms of opportunity at the NHL level next season.

TRADE ALERT

The #Oilers have acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly. We have also signed Howard to a three-year entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/k3UHkpv6Ik

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 9, 2025

The Oilers had a need for a cost-effective forward that could potentially play for them as early as next season. O’Reilly was not going to be that player, but Howard just might be.

This is the second straight summer that the Oilers made a trade for a higher-end prospect after acquiring former Sabres top-10 pick Matthew Savoie around the same time last year. 

According to reports, Howard’s contract will come with a $950,000 cap hit, which fits tidily under the salary cap after some of the key moves the Oilers made in the opening weeks of free agency, which included extensions for Evan Bouchard and Trent Frederic, as well as signing Andrew Mangiapane as a free agent.

What The Oilers Are Getting In Isaac Howard

Howard is a 21-year-old left wing who is listed at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds. He was selected 31st overall by Tampa Bay in 2022 after leading the U.S. National Under-18 Team in scoring at the National Team Development Program with 82 points.

He spent the following three years in the NCAA, first in an underwhelming freshman campaign at Minnesota Duluth before transferring to Michigan State where his offensive game flourished. 

As a sophomore, he averaged a point per game for the Spartans. Additionally, Howard was a key piece to Team USA’s gold-medal win at the 2024 World Junior Championship. He scored seven goals in seven games in that tournament, including two in the gold-medal game against Sweden.

Howard really made his mark as a junior, however. The Hudson, Wis., native led the NCAA in points per game with 1.41, finishing with 52 points in 37 games. He scored the game-winning goal in the Big Ten Championship game as the Spartans claimed their second straight conference title.

Among his accolades was the Hobey Baker, the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year from USA Hockey, Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Scoring Champion, Big Ten Tournament MVP, and first-team All-America honors.

HOBEY BAKER MEMORIAL AWARD WINNER ISAAC HOWARD @MSU_Hockey | @B1GHockey | @NCAAIceHockey#GoGreen #B1GHockey #CollegeHockey #NCAAAHockey https://t.co/kAgDQxvpuF pic.twitter.com/ajQuLzs6U2

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) April 11, 2025

Howard also on the roster for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship where the Americans claimed their first gold medal in the tournament since 1932. He appeared in four games, notching one assist in the tournament.

In terms of a scouting report, Howard is a quick, competitive player with higher-end hand skills, crafty offensive capabilities and high-end vision. He lacks the size NHL teams covet and his play away from the puck can be lacking at times, though I think he’s made significant improvements on that front over the last three years. He has gotten more aggressive in puck pursuit and while it will never be a strength at the NHL level, he has shown the commitment.

Howard is a legitimate goal-scoring threat with a quick release and an ability to get the shot off in a variety of ways. He also doesn’t shy away from getting to the middle of the ice for the best scoring opportunities and will challenge defenders one-on-one.

At the very top of his projection, he is likely a second-line scoring winger at the NHL level. The Oilers have the right kind of openings on their roster given their salary-cap situation and the high-end offensive stars that can insulate a young skill player like Howard.

He will still have to battle it out in camp, especially if Edmonton has a decision to make about how to handle both Howard and Savoie – very similar players – and where each of them slots.

I do think the Oilers get the player with the higher offensive ceiling between Howard and O’Reilly, but they’re also completely different players in terms of style of play and position. 

What The Lightning Get In Sam O’Reilly

Selected 32nd overall by the Oilers in the 2024 NHL Draft, O’Reilly is still just 19 years old and has a lot of runway left in his development. On top of that, he’s shown tremendous progression over two full seasons in the vaunted London Knights organization in the OHL.

O’Reilly was picked in the first round after a rookie season where he showed signs of being a talented two-way center with some scoring pop and a fair dose of grit. He was below a point-per-game player, but also showed excellent progress over the course of the year and played some of his best hockey in the playoffs as he helped the Knights win the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions.

The Knights repeated this season, this time with O’Reilly playing a more substantial role and only increasing both his scoring prowess and ability to play away from the puck. One of the better two-way centers in the OHL, O’Reilly produced 71 points in 62 games including 28 goals. He followed that up with 22 points during the OHL playoffs and had another five in the Memorial Cup tournament as the Knights claimed both championships.

O’Reilly is listed at 6-foot-1, 190 and has the versatility to fit a lot of needs. His defensive capabilities are advanced for his age and improved year over year. On top of that, he’s an abrasive forward who can make the game harder for his opponents without outright aggression. O’Reilly has solid hockey sense, excellent on-ice awareness and an understanding of time and space that makes him an effective all-around center.

“Keep improving my skating & my speed. Keep getting stronger & working on everything. There’s never nothing you can’t work on.”#Oilers forward prospect Sam O’Reilly checks in from Development Camp to discuss his off-season goals.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/LyOIZ7UW0q

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 2, 2025

At the top of his projection, he’s likely best suited as a third-line center with a chance to play tough matchups, kill penalties and be looked to as a secondary-scoring option.

The Lightning were in a pretty tough spot here with Howard publicly noting he wouldn’t sign. He used the leverage of being able to return for his senior season and becoming a free agent to ensure he could get the best possible opportunity, but the Lightning weren’t willing to carve out a ready-made spot for the Hobey winner.

As a result, there was a lot of concern Tampa wouldn’t get fair value in a deal. In the end, they got a younger prospect who may not project as much as a scorer as Howard is, but a forward that can absolutely fit a role on their team down the line. 

The alternative would have been letting Howard walk and taking a second-round compensatory pick where it would be unlikely to recoup the value lost on Howard.

I think both teams solved both some short-term and longer-term problems with this deal.

Where Does This Leave Michigan State?

Michigan State was going into the 2025-26 season as one of the favorites to win the NCAA tournament. They are bringing in one of the nation’s best recruiting classes and had hopes on landing Gavin McKenna. The same day Howard signed his deal, McKenna committed to Penn State.

The Spartans still have some incredible talent including one of the NCAA’s top goalies in Trey Augustine (DET) as well as first-round draft picks Charlie Stramel (MIN), Cayden Lindstrom (CBJ) and Ryker Lee (NSH) in the mix.

Michigan State knew where Howard stood and figured they’d lose him after last season anyway. If a trade happened and he got what he wanted from wherever acquired him, he was as good as gone. So losing McKenna might sting on the recruiting front, but I think the Spartans coaching staff always knew the Howard departure was a strong possibility.

This is a bit late in the process, but it happens at a time where Michigan State can potentially fill the hole with one of the higher-end CHL players that is considering whether or not to sign with a college hockey program following the draft. There are multiple players that could potentially plug the hole Howard is leaving and still allow the Spartans to be especially competitive next season. Multiple players are talking those options over with their drafting teams, their advisors and the prospective schools.

Replacing the Hobey Baker winner is much easier said than done, but I still view Michigan State as a credible threat to contend for the national championship with a lot of strong veteran players and the new blood they’re injecting this year.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

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A special relationship between St. Mike’s and a Deep South community gives service trip participants a life-changing experience

Saint Michael’s College  Not all heroes wear capes – some don hairnets and latex gloves to make 500 turkey sandwiches each morning for those who might otherwise go hungry.   

That is just one of the tasks a group of seven (six students and a staff leader) from Saint Michael’s College took on during a May service trip to the Edmundite Southern Missions in Selma, Alabama.

READ THE STORY I SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY

St. Mike’s baseball players moonlight as Lake Monsters for the summer

The long run from the bull pen to the pitcher’s mound at Centennial Field in Burlington is unlike any other, according to Braedon Jones ’26, who grew up watching the Vermont Lake Monsters.  

READ THE STORY  

Understanding the shift: Meg Clements explores

Gen Z political beliefs

When the exit polls began pouring in weeks following the 2024 election, there was one detail in particular that stuck out to Meg Clements ’26, inspiring her summer research project – Generation Z men have voted more conservatively over the last 10 years.

READ THE STORY   

Turning up the heat: St. Mike’s alum parlays wilderness experience into service career fighting wildfires

For Ben Mogensen ’24, St. Mike’s helped ignite a passion for service, teamwork, and conservation that would grow into a roaring fire. These days he can be seen deploying from a helicopter fighting wildfires for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho.

READ THE STORY  

Pioneering her own path: A St. Mike’s alum’s journey to entrepreneurship

When Lindsay Taylor Matecat ’14 first started working in restaurants in the Winooski Circle while in college to cover groceries and rent payments, she never could have imagined it would turn into her opening her own local cafe.

READ THE STORY  

Confidence Calisthenics: How St. Mike’s helps students strengthen their belief in their own abilities

When he begins a new semester, Brian Collier, professor of fine arts and design, likes to tell students about the near-catastrophe of his first big show. That close call with disaster became a source of confidence that would help him through countless other presentations, he says, and that’s why he tells the story every year. 

READ THE STORY 

Saint Michael’s College announces Dean’s List for Spring 2025

Congratulations to students named to Saint Michael’s College Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester! See the full list in the story.

READ THE STORY  

New blog for the School of Business and Technology

The Saint Michael’s College School of Business and Technology launched a blog on the College website that will feature student, alumni, and faculty stories as well as other news. Blog posts include spotlights of students and alums, including one on Isabella “Izzy” Risitano ’25.

READ THE PROFILE  

               IN THE MEDIA:

Fire and Rescue grad caps half century career as a first responder

Deputy Fire Chief Terence “Terry” Francis ’77 was honored by the City of South Burlington upon his retirement from the fire department, which was captured by WCAX. His more than 50-year career began as a member of Saint Michael’s College Fire and Rescue team. WATCH

Alum among the best sheep shearers in the country

Mary Lake ’06 made a name for herself in Vermont for her sheep-shearing prowess, but now her skills are nationally known since coming in 3rd in a U.S. competition. The Valley News covered how Lake’s path led her to shearing. READ

SMC Dean named among top 50 women leaders in Vermont

Dawn Ellinwood, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, was recognized by TheWomenWeAdmire.com in their list of the top 50 women leaders in Vermont for 2025. READ

Forbes piece highlights alum’s educational journey 

In a piece about how McDonald’s offers workers the flexibility to pursue their education, Forbes featured Jessie Anderson ’21, who credits the fast-food chain for allowing her to work while pursuing a degree at Saint Michael’s College and establishing skills that translated to her eventual career in Human Resources. READ

Juneteenth story brings together source and reporter, both from St. Mike’s

Jolivette Anderson-Douoning, Director of the Institute for Equity and Justice, discussed the importance of Juneteenth and how the holiday is celebrated in an NBC5 story reported by 2025 grad, Yamuna Turco. WATCH 

SIX LEGENDARY FIGURES COMPOSE SAINT MICHAEL’S ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025>

62 SAINT MICHAEL’S STUDENT-ATHLETES INDUCTED INTO HONOR SOCIETIES DURING 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR>

DAMIAN DIGIULIAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AS MEN’S ICE HOCKEY HEAD COACH>

READ MORE ATHLETIC NEWS

July 11: Alumni Event: St. Mike’s Night at the Durham Bulls. Durham, NC

July 16 & August 6: Salad Days. The Farm at 11:45 a.m.

July 18: Admitted Summer Knights. Hoehl Welcome Center

July 19: Summer Sneak “Peak.” Hoehl Welcome Center

July 23: Alumni, Admitted & Prospective Student Event: Portland Country Club Summer Social. Falmouth, ME

July 27: Alumni, Admitted & Prospective Student Event: South Shore Summer Social. Mattapoisett, MA

June 30: St. Mike’s at Hartford Athletic. Hartford, CT

August 3: Alumni, Admitted & Prospective Student Event: Spring Lake Summer Social. Spring Lake, NJ

SEE FULL LIST ON OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

This is the July edition of Knight News. During the summer, you can look forward to Knight News once a month, with a return to twice a month in the fall.

Saint Michael’s Knight News is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications

smcvt.edu

Working Out in College

When I was choosing a college, one thing I didn’t think I’d care much about was gym access. But let me tell you, once the stress of classes hits, having solid gym facilities makes a huge difference, whether you’re an athlete or just trying to stay sane with a good workout. At Carleton, we’re lucky to have not just one, but four different athletic facilities that students can use. Each one has a distinct vibe, and together they cover just about every fitness or recreation need you could imagine.

1. The Rec Center (a.k.a. the main gym)

This is the heart of student fitness on campus. I go here most often, whether it’s to get some runs in on the indoor track, lift weights in the Fitness Center, or try not to embarrass myself on the rock wall (which, by the way, is modeled after Minnehaha Falls and looks amazing). The Rec Center has pretty much everything, cardio machines, weight machines, racquetball and squash courts, and even an aerobics studio that hosts classes like yoga, martial arts, and Zumba. The big fieldhouse inside has space for basketball, tennis, soccer, and even indoor track meets.

You’ll see everyone here, varsity athletes doing conditioning, friend groups playing pick-up volleyball, or people like me just trying to keep up with their fitness goals between problem sets.

2. Cowling Gym

Cowling is a little quieter and more tucked away, which I like when I want a less crowded workout or to swim laps in the 25-yard pool. It’s also home to a dance studio and some varsity practice spaces. I sometimes use it when I want to switch up my routine or just get in some solo time in a more laid-back setting. Pro tip: the vibes in Cowling during a late-night swim is super peaceful.

3. West Gym

This place is iconic. It has this super unique “three-dome” architecture, and it’s where our basketball and volleyball teams compete. The gym floor here is polished and bright, and the energy during games is unmatched. West Gym also has Thorpe Pool, where swim meets happen, and where students can do lap swims or try out club water polo. It’s not my go-to daily workout spot, but whenever I’m in there for a swim or cheering on friends during a meet, it feels like a big part of the Carleton experience.

4. Laird Stadium

Laird is a classic. It’s our outdoor stadium with a full 400-meter track (great for jogs when the weather’s nice) and a massive seating area. I’ve gone to football games here, but it’s also open for casual use when there aren’t meets or games. Plus, it has indoor training areas and a weight room, so athletes (and non-athletes taking a weightlifting P.E class) can get a solid lift in. I always feel a bit more motivated to push myself when I’m working out in a space that’s hosted national track meets.

Workout Culture at Carleton

What I love most is that Carleton’s gym culture is super low-pressure. Whether you’re a varsity athlete or someone just trying to de-stress with a short jog on the treadmill or a chill yoga session, there’s space for you. The variety of facilities means you can find your own rhythm, whether that’s scaling the rock wall on a Sunday morning, joining a club soccer game in the fieldhouse, or taking a quiet swim after a long day of class.

In the end, I didn’t pick Carleton because of the gyms. But now that I’m here? I’m really glad they’re part of my day-to-day.

Abrar (he/him) is a junior Economics and Computer Science double major from Dhaka, Bangladesh. He loves Carleton’s intercultural energy. He’s especially drawn to spaces where students from all backgrounds come together. Outside of class, he’s involved in Club Rugby, FC, research, and campus admissions. His favorite places on campus are Sayles (for the energy) and the Lower Arb (for the peace). He’s a big fan of cold weather, long walks, and deep conversations about life, faith, or which country has the best mangoes. When not in class, you can usually find him designing something, planning a trip, or pretending not to be stressed about the future.

Texas Tech billionaire booster Cody Campbell announced the formation of a new non-profit dedicated to college sports on Tuesday night. Dubbed “Saving College Sports,” the non-profit organization aims to create a “path to a sustainable future.”

Campbell, who is the co-founder of Texas Tech’s NIL collective, The Matador Club, is also the chairman of the Texas Tech Board of Regents. Campbell sold his oil and natural gas company, Double Eagle, to Diamondback Energy in February for approximately $4.08 billion in cash and stock. He was the main financial source for the Red Raiders’ top-ranked transfer portal class this winter.

The billionaire was also set to co-chair President Donald Trump’s college sports commission with former Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Put on pause for the time being, the commission was expected to tackle topics centered around the transfer portal, the state of the college sports landscape, NIL collectives and revenue sharing, among others.

“College sports are in trouble,” Cody Campbell wrote on X about his new organization. “We need to save all of them — from big schools to small schools and from big money sports like football and basketball to non-revenue Olympic sports like wrestling, swimming, track, tennis, golf, and volleyball. I’m on a mission to make sure that all 500,000 student-athletes in this country continue to have the opportunity for education and character development.”

Campbell has supported Congress giving the NCAA an antitrust exemption. He’s also penned multiple columns for The Federalist, recently stating that, “college athletics will disappear for the majority of the Americans who have enjoyed and benefited from it for generations.” His nonprofit has already started lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.

The Saving College Sports organization has a three-prong approach, according to its website. That includes committing to legal and regulatory certainty and consistency, comprehensive governance reform and college sports maximizing their economic pie.

Campbell’s Matador Club has been at the forefront of NIL since it was launched in February 2022. In July 2022, the NIL collective announced it had signed 100 Red Raider football players to a one-year $25,000 NIL contract. Texas Tech spent over $10 million in the transfer portal this offseason, too.

“We have maximized the resources that are available to him financially to compete in this new revenue world. I think we’re in a great spot to have a good class this year and years to come,” Cody Campbell told Red Raider Sports this week. I’m excited about what the future is going to bring with respect to recruiting.”

Twenty-five Pine Bush High School graduates will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level next school year, a milestone celebrated by the district at its annual college signing ceremony.

Held by the athletic department each spring, the event brought together student-athletes, their families, coaches and school officials to honor those who have committed to play sports across NCAA Divisions I, II and III, as well as junior colleges. Athletic Director Jen Evans introduced each athlete, announcing their sport, chosen college or university, division, and intended major.

“This is always one of the most special days of the year,” Evans said. “It’s a celebration of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication—not just from the athletes, but from their families and coaches as well.”

Athletes from a wide range of sports were represented, including baseball, basketball, diving, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, and track and field. Among the signees was Kennedy Fisher, who will compete as a Division I gymnast at Southeast Missouri State University, and Paige Gandolfini, who will dive at Division I St. Bonaventure University.

Here is the full list of student-athletes, along with their sport, college commitment, division and intended major:

• Ollie Auryensen, Baseball – Eastern Connecticut State (DIII), Physical Education

• Kaeden Fisher, Baseball – Vermont State–Castleton (DIII), Physical Education

• Brian Murtagh, Baseball – SUNY Ulster (Junior College), Finance

• Michael Esposito, Baseball – Lasell University (DIII), Finance

• Brady Fandl, Baseball – Fairleigh Dickinson University (DI), Business

• Triston Santos, Baseball – Hudson Valley Community College (Junior College), Cybersecurity

• Paige Gandolfini, Diving – St. Bonaventure University (DI), Psychology

• Grace Grant, Field Hockey – SUNY New Paltz (DIII), Physics and Astronomy

• Jake Schorling, Football/Track & Field – Hudson Valley Community College (Junior College), Business and Computers

• Jaiden Sposito, Football – William (DIII), Business

• Jamil Sneed, Football – SUNY Morrisville (DIII), Engineering

• Plexico Brooks, Football – Tennessee State (DI), Accounting

• Ryan Wittenberg, Golf – Marywood University (DIII), Professional Pilot

• Kennedy Fisher, Gymnastics – Southeast Missouri State (DI), Elementary Education

• Chris Sgourdas, Lacrosse – Marywood University (DIII), Professional Pilot

• Miles Joray, Lacrosse – SUNY Morrisville (DIII), Exercise Science

• Dominick Ciarelli, Lacrosse – Lasell University (DIII), Biochemistry/Pre-Med

• Mackenzie Brown, Lacrosse – University of Mount Union (DIII), Secondary Education

• Gianna Conklin, Soccer – St. John Fisher University (DIII), Athletic Performance/Pre-Chiropractic

• Molly Dowson, Softball – SUNY Canton (DIII), Sports Management

• Averie Klein, Track & Field – Binghamton University (DI), Pre-Health/PA

• Andres Martinez, Track & Field – SUNY Cortland (DIII), Exercise Science

• Ketura Rutty, Basketball – Dominican University (DII), Nursing

• Leticia Watson, Basketball – Dominican University (DII), Psychology

• Maya Oakes, Swimming – Mount Holyoke College (DIII), Environmental Studies