Devils Should Get Creative & Target Lightning's Isaac Howard

Isaac Howard could be a creative offseason move that helps the New Jersey Devils maximize their roster upgrades

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A week or so ago, we did an overview of the New Jersey Devils' cap situation for the 2025 offseason. You can read that here, but if you missed it, the overall picture is that they don't have much cap space to work with this summer.

That doesn't mean general manager Tom Fitzgerald can't improve the roster. Money is surely on the way out, but he'll also have to get creative in making additions this offseason.

One way to do so is by targeting Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard, who won't be signing with the team this offseason. Chances are the Lightning will trade him around the draft since he can become a UFA next summer, and he could be a way to add top-nine talent on a cheap ELC cap hit.

Howard Has Turned Into a Top Prospect

I haven't watched much of Howard in the NCAA, but he's impressed in college hockey. He started his career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, finishing with 17 points in 36 games as a freshman. He then transferred to Michigan State and became one of the best players in the NCAA.

Howard was a point-per-game player for the Spartans as a sophomore, then totaled 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games this past season. That helped earn him the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the NCAA.

Because I haven't watched Howard in the NCAA, I'll lean on what Scott Wheeler had to say about him after he won the Hobey Baker:

"Howard is a player with the kind of track record of success that nearly always translates. Though he’s “short” at 5-foot-11, he’s not small, with a muscular build that makes him sturdier than you might expect on his feet and over pucks. He’s got quick crossover acceleration with a hurried stride that cranks its way up ice to give him good speed. There are times when he can look like an all-offense player, but when his effort level and tenaciousness match his skill level, you’ll see him around the puck all game, which we’ve seen more of as he has ramped up his off-puck movement and drive at MSU.