Top Pittsburgh Penguins Prospect Undergoes Major Possibly Career-Changing Surgery

In round two of the 2024 NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins landed talented Saskatchewan forward Tanner Howe, with hopes that the 19-year old could develop into a star of the future.

After being traded to the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL, Howe showed immense potential, posting 12 goals and 39 points in 37 games played, as well as an impressive 9 points in six games played in the WHL Playoffs.

Unfortunately, that playoff run was cut short by an injury, and now, the Penguins organization has confirmed that he has successfully undergone ACL surgery that will keep him out for the next nine months.

At 19-years of age, this is a brutal blow for the talented young forward, as the recovery time will hinder a key development stage of his career where he should be spending time in the summer with the NHL team and their veterans to learn and grow at the next level.

Instead, he'll be recovering from a brutal injury, and instead of fighting for an NHL roster spot ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, he'll likely be sent to the AHL or even back to the WHL to get his legs back under him.

Ultimately, the belief around Pittsburgh is that Howe still has immense potential to translate his talent to the next level, and while this could be a major hinderance to his development, don't be surprised to see Howe thriving in the NHL if he's allowed patience by the organization in his recovery.