Last season was a return to form for the most dynamic playmaker that has yet to suit up in a Lightning uniform. If it wasn’t for Julien BriseBois’ big summer move, Isaac Howard would still be reigning supreme amongst the Tampa Bay prospects.
| Name | Isaac Howard |
| Position | Left Wing |
| Age (as of October 1) | 20 |
| Height/Weight | 5’11”, 190 lbs. |
| Expected 2024-25 Team | Michigan State University |
| Draft – Year, Round | 2022, Round 1 #31 |
| Previous Rankings | #1 (2023), #6 (2022) |
| Writer’s Ranking | 2 |
| Reader’s Ranking | 2 |
| Final Rank | 2 |
Stats
Our Thoughts
The fun thing about these lists is that everyone has their own approach on how to rank the players. Some folks order them on the player’s highest possible ceiling while others rank them based on how close to NHL ready a player might be. There is absolutely no doubt that the player with the highest possible ceiling in the Lightning organization is Isaac Howard. Last year that was enough to vault him to the top of the list. This year the only player to eclipse him was one that is just a touch closer to being in the NHL than Howard.
After a rough freshman season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Isaac Howard entered the transfer portal in the spring of 2023. He ended up at Michigan State University, where he was reunited with his United States Developmental Team coach Adam Nightingale. The change did him good as Howard doubled his offensive output with 36 points (8 goals, 28 assists) in 36 games for the Spartans. His production helped Michigan State capture the Big 10 Championship as they defeated Michigan 5-4 in overtime (Howard assisted on the Spartans second goal of the night).
In addition to his strong collegiate career Howard also sparkled in his nation’s colors as he put up 9 points (7 goals, 2 assists) for Team USA as they captured gold at the IIHF Under-20 Men’s World Championships. He saved his best for the Gold Medal Game where he scored twice and nabbed player of the game honors. Unfortunately, his quest for a triple-championship season was dashed when Michigan State was booted from the Frozen Four by, of all teams, Michigan in the second round.
He made his return to the Lightning’s developmental camp following the draft this summer and then headed back to Michigan State for his junior season where he will be one of the veteran leaders looking to keep the Big 10 title in Lansing (they are ranked number one in the Big 10, and fourth overall prior to the season starting). Depending on how the season goes, it wouldn’t be surprising if he signs an entry-level contract in the spring and begins his pro career.
Why is Isaac Howard, the lone number one draft pick under Mr. BriseBois still in the system, regarded as one of the Lightning’s best prospects? Simply put – offense. An above-average skater and stick handler, Howard brings a certain amount of skills to the ice that other Lightning prospects simply don’t have. A prolific scorer in the USNT program, the goals haven’t quite flowed at the same level in college, but we can attribute that to a style clash in Duluth and a glut of options in Lansing (the Spartans had six players score 10 or more goals last year).
It feels like this year is the one where he will put it all together at the college level. He has already garnered some preseason honors as he was named to the All-Big Ten team along with his teammates Trey Augustine and Karsen Dorwart. One thing to watch for this season is if Howard engages in a little more play inside the tougher areas on the ice. One knock against him is that he can be pushed to the periphery at times and his compete level can fluctuate on a night-by-night basis.
Defensively, Howard is a decent backchecker which is aided by his quick hands and ability to skate. Some of his decision-making in his own zone can use improvement as can his off-the-puck reads. It’s unlikely that he’ll ever turn into Sasha Barkov, but not every player needs a Selke Trophy on their mantle to be successful at the NHL level.
Howard brings a little flash to a pretty buttoned-up organization as well. Whether it’s his memorable all-white draft suit, or his post goal celebrations, Howard has a certain bit of swagger that fans haven’t seen a lot of in Tampa. Of course, in the NHL, excessive celebrations, especially by a rookie, tend to be frowned on, but Howard has the skills to justify the excitement he plays with in big games.
Of all of the prospects that we’ve talked about in this series so far, Howard has the highest potential ceiling without a doubt. Not only could he become a NHL regular, he could become a NHL all-star. He has the offensive ability to crack the top-six for the Lightning in the not too distant future, something that can’t be said for the majority of the players on the list below. If he can continue to improve his offensive game this year, it’ll be a great sign that he’s continuing on that path.
One of the drawbacks to drafting college players, is that we, as fans, don’t get to see them play outside of their ecosystems very much, so it’s kind of hard to determine how they fair against upgraded competition. Restrictions on their travel and participation keep them from training camps and rookie showcases, so we haven’t seen Howard in preseason games like we have with Ethan Gauthier or even Ethan Hay.
So we’ll have to wait until he signs his ELC to see how he fares against upgraded competition. The good news is that could come as early as this spring where might join a Syracuse squad for their playoff run a la Dylan Duke last season.
Your Thoughts
“Raw upside ability.”
“Howard at #1 due to possible highest ceiling.”
“I think Howard will be a more dynamic player than Geekie. I like his panache. They are both future top 6, so what’s not to like?”
