Howard hoping path to Lightning is improved by transfer to Michigan State

BRANDON, Fla. -- Isaac Howard went through a year of learning, growth and big changes.

Selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round (No. 31) in the 2022 NHL Draft, the 19-year-old is looking forward to refining his offensive game at Michigan State this season following a sometimes-frustrating tenure at the University of Minnesota-Duluth last season.

"I want to get back to my game a little more, which I can do in the Big Ten with Michigan State," Howard said during Lightning development camp earlier this month. "It was different [at Minnesota-Duluth]. It was defense first. More of a grind and less about skill. It was different."

Howard had 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in his one season at Minnesota-Duluth. He's anticipating improving those numbers once he gets up to speed with his new team, especially after being reunited with second-year Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale.

Howard played under Nightingale for two seasons (2020-22) at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. He led the Under-18 team in 2021-22 with 82 points (33 goals, 49 assists) in 60 games, including a United States-best 11 points (six goals, five assists) in six games at the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

"It's an exciting change," Howard said. "I can't wait to get going at Michigan State."

Lightning assistant general manager and director of player development Stacy Roest said Howard did not have to confer with the Lightning before opting to transfer.

"That's his decision to make," Roest said. "He's the one that has to go to school every day, in the classroom as well as the hockey program. He has to make the decision that he feels is best for himself."

Roest hopes Michigan State will be a better fit for Howard and provide more opportunities for him to show off his skill and progression.

"He's got all of the tools," Roest said. "He's got the skill, the skating, the shot and the passing. I want to see him on the ice for bigger situations and how he responds."

Howard wanted to show some growth during his second development camp, as a player and as a leader.

"You want to set the example a little bit more," he said. "I want to be the first in line for the drills and show my leadership that way. This is an opportunity to work hard and continue to improve in all areas.

"There's a lot to learn and I'm just absorbing everything. They have a great staff. I'm just taking the little tips and details, trying to process everything."

Whether development camp and the upcoming NCAA season is a fresh start for Howard or better described as a reset, it's a switch he's looking forward to and one he hopes will be beneficial for himself and the Lightning.

"I think I just keep growing as a person off the ice and on the ice," he said. "I just want to keep getting stronger, quicker, everything. It shows year by year."