According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman,
Tampa Bay Lightning top prospect Isaac Howard is planning to return to Michigan State for his senior season instead of signing his entry-level deal.
This is a less-than-deal update, as Howard is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on August 15, 2026 if the Lightning do not sign him to an entry-level deal by then. Thus, this will certainly be something to keep an eye on between now and the 2026 NHL off-season.
Howard, 21, was selected by the Lightning with the 31st overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He took a big step forward in his play this season with Michigan State, posting new career highs with 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games. This was after he had eight goals and 36 points in 36 contests with the school this past campaign.
Given how well Howard has played at the collegiate level, the hope was that the youngster would sign his ELC and give the Lightning another potential boost for this final stretch of the year. However, he is instead heading back to school.
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