News Summary
The Michigan State hockey program undergoes significant changes as top talent Isaac Howard transitions to the NHL and recruit Gavin McKenna commits to Penn State. These losses could impact the Spartans’ future in college hockey. Howard, traded to the Oilers, has forfeited NCAA eligibility after an impressive career at MSU. The team, guided by Coach Adam Nightingale, aims to bounce back by recruiting new talent to fill the gaps left by these pivotal players.
East Lansing, Michigan – The Michigan State hockey program is facing significant changes as top talent Isaac Howard transitions to the NHL, leaving a gap that has not been filled, compounded by the news that fellow recruit Gavin McKenna has chosen to play for Penn State. These developments are pivotal for Michigan State’s future in college hockey.
Gavin McKenna, a highly coveted recruit projected to be the top pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, made his commitment to Penn State after evaluating both the Nittany Lions and Michigan State. This decision represents a notable loss for the Spartans, who had hoped to secure the talents of a player anticipated to make an immediate impact in collegiate hockey.
In addition to McKenna’s commitment, Isaac Howard’s departure is a significant blow to the Spartans. Howard was recently traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers, signing a three-year entry-level contract which forfeits his remaining NCAA eligibility. Howard was initially selected 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft and maintained his rights with the Lightning until the trade occurred.
During his time at Michigan State, Howard had an impressive junior season, notching 26 goals and 26 assists for a total of 52 points in just 37 games. He played a crucial role in leading MSU to back-to-back Big Ten championships and earned recognition as college hockey’s top player in the last season. Over his two seasons with the Spartans, he accumulated 34 goals and 54 assists in 73 games after starting his collegiate career at Minnesota Duluth.
Howard’s notable achievements extended beyond college hockey, as he represented Team USA, winning gold medals at the 2024 World Junior Championship and the 2025 IIHF World Championship. His transition to the NHL with the Oilers is expected to be smooth, given his strong performance record and eagerness to join a team that features stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Howard has expressed his intention to bring high energy and a scoring mentality to the Edmonton lineup as he vies for a spot on the roster.
In exchange for acquiring Howard’s rights, the Oilers traded Sam O’Reilly along with their first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, underscoring Howard’s value as a high-caliber player. His earlier plans to return to Michigan State for the 2025-2026 season were altered following the trade, marking a significant change for the Spartans as they face the loss of a key player.
Despite the setbacks with both Howard and McKenna, Michigan State remains optimistic. The Spartans retain a talented roster under the guidance of Coach Adam Nightingale, who is looking to build upon the program’s recent successes. With ongoing recruitment efforts, the team aims to attract new talents to fill the void left by Howard and McKenna, ensuring that Michigan State continues to be competitive in the Big Ten and NCAA hockey landscape.
As these developments unfold, the impact on Michigan State’s hockey program will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The losses of such pivotal talents signal a transformative period for the Spartans, setting the stage for renewed challenges and opportunities in the seasons ahead.
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Additional Resources
- USCHO
- Google Search: Isaac Howard NHL draft
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Hobey Baker Award
- Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA hockey
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