Oilers trade with Tampa Bay for elite young winger held up by one factor
Photo credit: Tampa Bay Times
The Edmonton Oilers have been heavily connected to trading for Tampa Bay Lightning top prospect Isaac Howard, but a trade is being held up by GM Julien BriseBois.
Reports surfaced earlier today the Oilers had offered a first round pick for Howard, and Howard himself briefly thought he had been traded to the Oilers. Edmonton met Tampa's requested asking price of a 1st round pick, but the trade fell through.
Oilers trade held up by Tampa Bay Lightning not valuing Edmonton draft pick
Given that the Oilers met the trade asking price for Howard suggests they're motivated to make a trade happen, and more talks will continue. Howard himself will have to guarantee the Oilers' he'll sign, so Edmonton is likely speaking to Howard too.
On today's edition of OilersNow, insider Bob Stauffer suggested that Tampa Bay doesn't value the Oilers' first round draft pick much, and are holding out to get more.
Tampa's not a team that values draft picks. I personally believe that Julian BriseBois is probably waiting for the right deal.
I think you can make an argument that Isaac Howard makes a lot of sense at Edmonton. And Edmonton has a very compelling story to sell. The ball really is in Julian BriseBois' court for what the return would be.
- Bob Stauffer
I think you can make an argument that Isaac Howard makes a lot of sense at Edmonton. And Edmonton has a very compelling story to sell. The ball really is in Julian BriseBois' court for what the return would be.
- Bob Stauffer
The Lightning are right not to value the Oilers first round pick much, because with their success, it'll really be in the range of a high second round pick.
Maybe if the Oilers offer their first round draft pick along with a prospect they could entice Tampa to take a deal - but they may be interested in taking back the highest level prospect possible. The Oilers can't afford to part with much on that front, which could be a problem for this trade.
Oilers trading for Isaac Howard would be great value pickup
At the very least, there's heavy smoke around a potential trade to happen in the coming days. The Oilers seem motivated to get Howard, and Howard must be signalling a desire to play for Edmonton.
The 21 year old Hobey Baker winner has shot up prospect ranks since being drafted drafted 31st overall in 2022. Prospect analysts currently project him to score at a 50 point pace if he enters the NHL.
Hopefully the Oilers will be able to finish out the deal, and add another exciting young player who can immediately help the NHL roster now - and be a cost controlled asset for years to come.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 599 ANSWERS Oilers trade with Tampa Bay for elite young winger held up by one factor Do you think the Oilers will acquire Isaac Howard? | ||
| Yes | 322 | 53.8 % |
| No | 277 | 46.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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