The Edmonton Oilers' decision to trade away top prospect Sam O'Reilly to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Isaac Howard is a topic of much debate. While the trade was initially seen as a strategic move to bolster their Stanley Cup chances, the recent performances of both players have raised questions about the value of the trade.
O'Reilly's Historic Season
Sam O'Reilly's junior season was nothing short of remarkable. He dominated the OHL, finishing with 29 goals and 71 points in 56 regular-season games. But it was his playoff performance that truly showcased his talent. O'Reilly led the Kitchener Rangers to the championship, scoring 17 goals and 28 points in 18 games. His outstanding play earned him the OHL regular and playoff MVP trophies, and he capped it off by winning the Memorial Cup MVP, becoming just the fourth player to achieve this feat in a single season.
What makes O'Reilly's achievement even more impressive is the company he keeps. Only three players in NHL history have won all three MVP awards in a single season: Brad Richards, Corey Perry, and Mitch Marner. If O'Reilly can live up to even half of their reputations, the Oilers might be kicking themselves for trading him away.
Howard's Decent Pro Debut
On the other hand, Isaac Howard's debut with the Oilers was less spectacular. He struggled to become a regular NHL player, managing only two goals and five points in 29 games. However, Howard found his stride in the AHL, where he was among the best players for the Bakersfield Condors. He posted 24 goals and 50 points in 47 games, ranking fourth in rookie scoring and second in points-per-game. This performance earned him a spot on the AHL all-rookie team, proving that his goal-scoring ability from his NCAA days can translate to the pro game.
The Uncertain Future
The question now is whether the Oilers are already regretting their decision to trade O'Reilly. While Howard has shown promise, it's still early to tell if he can become a consistent NHL player. O'Reilly, on the other hand, has established himself as a top prospect with his outstanding performance in the OHL and Memorial Cup. His ability to lead a team to the championship and win multiple MVP awards is a strong indicator of his potential impact at the NHL level.
Conclusion
The trade between the Oilers and Lightning has sparked a debate about the value of O'Reilly versus Howard. While Howard has shown promise in the AHL, O'Reilly's historic season and leadership qualities make a strong case for his potential as an NHL player. As the season progresses, the Oilers may find themselves kicking themselves for trading away a player with such bright prospects.
