With Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard likely becoming available via trade, the Philadelphia Flyers can strike and make another valuable addition to their team.
But why would Howard, a 2022 first-round pick, already be on the chopping block?
The Lightning, to this point, have been unable to get a contract done with the 21-year-old and his camp, with the two sides apparently still not on the same page in terms of finding an agreeable jumping-off point.
Should Howard elect not to sign with the Lightning, the star Michigan State University forward can become an unrestricted free agent as of Aug. 15, 2026. That, of course, allows the former 31st overall pick to sign with the NHL team of his choosing.
Such a potentially calamitous outcome could send an already aging, top-heavy Tampa Bay team reeling, with the Lightning potentially pivoting to find a trade partner for the disgruntled prospect in short order.
In his latest episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman offered his insight and understanding of the situation, which is likely to be favorable for the Flyers if interested in Howard.
"I think the Lightning know that the odds are now against them, and that he is probably not going to be a part of their organization," said Friedman. "But nobody said anything bad about him.
"Basically, what I was told, because nobody wanted to get into mud-slinging, they just didn't see eye-to-eye. Whether it was burning the year [of the entry-level contract], his spot in the organization or on the roster, it just wasn't there.
"Whatever path Howard saw, and whatever path the Lightning saw, it didn't line up with each other. . . The one thing I have no doubt is, [Lightning GM] Julien BriseBois is getting besieged by teams wanting to know, 'What are you thinking here?', or 'Can we talk to him?'
"Julien BriseBois can be tough. I had some people say to me, if he's going to deal this player, he's going to do it on his timeline."
The good news for the Flyers and Flyers fans is that GM Danny Briere, too, drives a hard bargain.
After the Scott Laughton trade that yielded Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round pick, Briere has proven his ability to wear down other general managers to get a particular asset he wants.
Howard, by all accounts, should be one of those particular assets, too.
The 5-foot-10 winger is coming off an amazing sophomore season with Michigan State, recording 26 goals, 26 assists, and 52 points in just 37 games en route to being named the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner this past week.
Who did Howard play with at Michigan State? None other than Karsen Dorwart, one of this year's top NCAA free agents and a recent Flyers signee who jumped into the NHL lineup right away.
The two were roommates as well, which bodes well for the Flyers' chances of luring the former first-round ...
