Former Linemate Connor Bedard The Western Hockey League winger signed with the team that drafted him about two weeks ago. The Pittsburgh Penguins announced they had signed the winger. Tanner Howe 3 year entry level contract.
Howe was selected 46th overall by the Penguins organization in the 2024 NHL Draft and was immediately signed to an entry-level contract after a standout performance in development camp. The young forward was a constant force in front of the goal, scoring two goals in his time with the team.
During the 2022-23 WHL season, Howe will share a line with Bedard while playing for the Regina Pats. He was the perfect partner for the troublesome Bedard on the ice, recording 36 goals and 85 points in 67 games, plus two goals and four points in seven postseason appearances. After Bedard left Regina to join the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2023-24 NHL season, Howe became the organization's new captain.
Howe proved beyond a doubt that he could thrive at centre without Bedard, recording 28 goals and 77 points in 68 games. Unfortunately, the Patriots missed out on the 2024 WHL playoffs and his season ended after the regular season. Howe has been a bit quiet on the international stage for Canada, appearing in a total of 11 games for Canada's under-18 World Junior Championship team over the past two years but recording just one assist.
It's unlikely Howe will play for any team in the Penguins organization next season, and he could potentially play another year in the WHL with the Regina Pats, but some have argued that his physical game is mature enough to play for the organization's AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Regardless of where Howe ends up in 2024-25, if his development continues on his current trajectory, he'll certainly be a mid-six contender for Pittsburgh.
