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TAMPA — When Isaac Howard’s college run at Michigan State ended early two weeks ago, it looked like he’d soon turn pro and ink his entry-level deal with the Lightning.

However, it now seems that Howard plans to return to Michigan State for his senior year, based on several reports including those from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and The Detroit News.

Howard topped NCAA Division I with 1.41 points per game and is a Hobey Baker Award finalist, which honors the best college hockey player. If Tampa Bay doesn’t sign him, they risk losing their 2022 first-round selection to free agency after next summer.

This development might be strategic from Howard’s representatives, who hold considerable power in guiding his NHL debut. Playing even one NHL game this season would activate the first year of his contract, accelerating his path to a higher salary.

Still, this doesn’t mean a deal with the Lightning is off the table. Tampa Bay can keep talking with Howard up until Aug. 15, 2026, when he could become a free agent. The team’s front office views player acquisition as a year-round task. If they think Howard won’t sign, they might trade his rights.

Right now, the Lightning don’t have salary cap space to bring Howard into their NHL lineup. According to Friedman, “the word around the NCAA is that the team and Howard weren’t aligned on the current situation.”

The Lightning haven’t made any official statements, though that’s common for a franchise known for keeping things under wraps until deals are done.

There likely was disagreement on where Howard should start his professional journey. Another Hobey Baker finalist, Ryan Leonard from Boston College, jumped straight to the NHL with the Capitals after signing.

Tampa Bay usually prefers prospects to get experience in the AHL with Syracuse first. Even Nikita Kucherov played 17 games there before joining the NHL. But the Lightning haven’t had a highly skilled forward like Howard from a recent first round in quite some time.

Howard first gained attention at the 2022 draft by rocking a white suit, blue turtleneck, and gold chain, calling himself the “best-looking guy” after being taken 31st overall. Since then, he’s earned a reputation as a clutch scorer with star potential.

Howard led Team USA to gold at last year’s world junior championship in Sweden, tallying a team-best seven goals and two assists in seven games, including two scores in the final against the host nation.

In his sophomore season at Michigan State, Howard scored 26 goals and totaled 52 points across 37 games, including the double-overtime winner that secured the Big Ten championship against Ohio State.