Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois stated Friday it is improbable the team will sign prospect Isaac Howard.
The admission follows reports that Howard had decided to return to school for his senior season. He was drafted by the Lightning in the first round, 31st overall, in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Under the NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, teams hold the rights to NCAA players for four seasons. By playing his senior year, Howard can become an unrestricted free agent on August 15, 2026.
This potential outcome means the Lightning could lose his rights without compensation if they do not trade him before that date. One report indicated the team might consider trading his rights rather than risking losing him for free.
Sources close to the situation said Howard and the team viewed his development path differently, suggesting a lack of agreement on how his career should proceed within the organization.
Howard, a five-foot-11 left winger, recently completed a productive season with Michigan State. He led all NCAA players in scoring with 52 points in 37 games and was tied for third in goals with 26.
For his performance, Howard earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors and received the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's hockey player.
Howard is the only first-round pick the Lightning have made in the last five years, a result of the team frequently trading draft capital to acquire veteran players.
BriseBois acknowledged the situation when speaking with reporters.
“When I chatted with Isaac, he was pretty candid, and I appreciated his honesty, and I thank him for his honesty,” BriseBois said. “He values the opportunity to choose the club that he believes is the best fit for him. And I won’t speak for him, but he values that. Right now, I would say it’s unlikely that we will sign him.”
If Howard does reach free agency in August 2026, the Lightning are expected to receive a compensatory selection, specifically the 31st pick in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2027 NHL Draft.
