Tampa Bay Lightning's first-round pick transfers to Michigan State

During last summer's NHL Draft, things were looking up for prospect Isaac Howard.  He was coming off an impressive season with the US NTDP program -- posting 82 points in 60 games -- and would end up sliding off the board as a first-round selection to the Tampa Bay Lightning with the No. 31 overall pick.

His path has been considerably less smooth since that point. The 18-year-old struggled considerably in his first taste of college hockey, notching just 17 points in 35 games with Minnesota-Duluth.  Looking for a change of pace earlier this month, Howard opted to enter the transfer portal and has since found his next school, announcing that he will be joining Michigan State next season.

Howard becomes the second drafted prospect to join Michigan State's program this spring, following on the heels of Detroit Red Wings forward Red Savage, who transferred to East Lansing earlier in the week.  

As there are no other drafted forwards on Michigan State's roster at this juncture, there should be an opportunity for Howard to play an important role with his new school -- though Michigan State could still bring back its top three scorers from the 2022-23 season, which would presumably provide a touch of competition for the would-be future NHLer.