"Why'd it have to be O'Reilly?": Oilers fans stunned by trade with Lightning for Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard

The Edmonton Oilers acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning via a trade on Tuesday in exchange for forward prospect Sam O’Reilly.

Howard, the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, was signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Oilers immediately after the trade. The trade came as a surprise, as Howard had reportedly refused to sign with the Bolts.

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The Oilers, who had been pursuing Howard for weeks, capitalized on the situation, offering their 2024 first-round pick. Here's how Edmonton Oilers fans reacted to the trade on X (formerly Twitter).

One tweeted:

"Why’d it have to be O’Reilly."

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Another chimed in:

"Hate to see SOR go but the Oilers basically turned their 2025 First into an NHL ready prospect."

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

"Isaac Howard and Matthew Savoie ... Edmonton just got faster, younger and more potent," a third fan wrote.

"I liked o Reilly but I have no idea about Howard. Is this a good trade ?" one wondered.

"Why the heck would we trade Oreilly for this guy? He better be worth it," another wrote.

"I was excited for O’Reilly and it sucks to see him go but I’m pumped we got Howard," another chimed in.

Howard was drafted 31st overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022. He had an impressive junior season at Michigan State. He also won gold with the U.S. at the 2024 World Juniors and 2025 World Championship.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta