The deal severs ties with Howard, whose relationship with the Lightning soured this summer when he went unsigned following a stellar season at Michigan State in which he led Division I hockey in points per game and won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey.

Michigan State hockey forward Isaac Howard will start his pro hockey career rather than return to the Spartans. Howard signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, July 8,