When the Edmonton Oilers traded up in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft to grab Sam O’Reilly at 32nd overall, it looked like a smart, forward-thinking move. O’Reilly had just wrapped up a solid season with the London Knights, putting up 20 goals and 56 points in 68 games.
He followed that up with an even stronger campaign-28 goals and 71 points in just 62 games-and capped it all off by helping the Knights lift the Memorial Cup. That’s the kind of trajectory you want to see from a first-round pick: steady growth, big-time production, and playoff pedigree.
But in the summer of 2025, the Oilers pivoted. They sent O’Reilly to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard.
On the surface, the deal made sense. Edmonton wanted a player closer to NHL-ready, someone who could contribute sooner rather than later.
Howard, two years older and further along in his development, checked that box.
Still, you can’t help but wonder if the Oilers might’ve pulled the plug on O’Reilly a little too soon.
Since joining the Lightning organization, O’Reilly hasn’t missed a beat. Splitting time between the London Knights and the Kitchener Rangers, he’s posted 17 goals and 40 points in 37 games.
And on the international stage, he represented Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship, where he added four goals and eight points in seven games, playing a key role in Canada’s bronze-medal finish. That’s not just production-that’s consistency, versatility, and poise under pressure.
O’Reilly’s game is built for the pro level. He’s a right-shot, two-way center who plays with defensive responsibility and physicality.
He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just show up on the scoresheet-he shows up in the details. Need a key faceoff win?
He’s got you. Need a shutdown shift late in a tight game?
He’s your guy. And while he might not jump into the NHL tomorrow, he’s got the foundation to be a long-term asset down the middle.
That’s exactly what Edmonton’s been missing in their bottom six for years-a reliable, defensively sound center who can chip in offensively and anchor a third line. O’Reilly might not have solved that problem overnight, but having him in the system would’ve been a step toward long-term stability.
At 6-foot-1 and 183 pounds, he brings size and versatility, traits head coach Kris Knoblauch values. He’s a natural fit on the penalty kill, can be a net-front presence on the power play, and most importantly, he understands his role.
That’s something the Oilers have struggled with-especially when it comes to depth players. Too often, free-agent additions have failed to find their fit.
Case in point: Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson. Brought in to bolster the top six, they ended up shuffled down the lineup and couldn’t adjust.
Their skill sets didn’t mesh with bottom-six responsibilities, and both found themselves watching from the press box during the playoffs.
That’s where a player like O’Reilly stands out. He doesn’t need to be the star. He plays within his game, knows what’s expected, and delivers.
Now, let’s talk about Isaac Howard.
There’s no denying Howard has skill. He’s got a sniper’s release and top-six upside.
But in a system like Edmonton’s-built around stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl-there’s only so much room at the top. If Howard doesn’t earn a spot alongside elite playmakers, can he still make an impact?
That’s the question.
Howard’s game is built around offense. He thrives when he’s paired with players who can get him the puck in space.
But if he’s asked to grind it out in the bottom six, kill penalties, or take on defensive-zone starts, there’s a real concern about whether he can adapt. Right now, his defensive game is still a work in progress.
And if he can’t find ways to contribute when the goals aren’t coming, his value to the Oilers becomes a lot more limited.
Yes, Howard might be more NHL-ready today. But projecting forward, O’Reilly looks like the more complete player. He’s the kind of guy who could grow into a reliable third-line center-exactly the type of player Edmonton has been searching for to round out their lineup.
Time will tell how this trade plays out, but there’s a real chance the Oilers let go of a long-term solution in exchange for short-term upside. In a league where depth and role players often make the difference come playoff time, that’s a gamble that could come back to bite.