Pittsburgh Penguins’ Tanner Howe Makes Professional Debut
In an exciting turn of events for the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, Tanner Howe, a promising left winger and 46th overall choice in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, took the ice for his inaugural professional game on Sunday. After enduring a challenging period due to an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025-26 season until this point, Howe finally broke into professional hockey with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League (AHL), facing off against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Howe’s Impact in the Game
Howe quickly made his mark on the game, contributing a secondary assist during the third period on a goal scored by Owen Pickering, helping his team secure a convincing 6-2 victory. During the match, he skated on the second line alongside teammates Aaron Huglen and Avery Hayes.
Post-game interactions showcased the camaraderie of the Penguins organization, particularly as teammate Joel Blomqvist humorously celebrated Howe’s milestone by tossing him a water bottle from an exercise bike. Ville Koivunen playfully acknowledged Howe’s potential, shouting out, “POINT PER GAME PRO,” a nod to his strong performance. “Howe displayed remarkable composure today,” commented reporter Tony Androckitis after his interview with the rookie.
Howe’s Journey to the AHL
Prior to his debut, Howe, now 20 years old, dealt with significant setbacks due to the injury he suffered late last year while playing with the Calgary Hitmen in the Western Hockey League (WHL). His time in the WHL was not without achievement; across 47 games split between the Regina Pats and Hitmen, he scored 18 goals and accumulated a total of 46 points. Additionally, he shared the ice with Ben Kindel last season, the Penguins’ first-round pick in 2025, who has already made waves in the NHL at just 18 years of age.
Howe is known for his aggressive forechecking style and playmaking abilities in confined spaces, boasting a robust two-way game that should serve him well as he continues his developmental journey. Although he is expected to remain with the AHL affiliate for the remainder of the season, his performance will dictate future opportunities with the Penguins’ NHL roster.
Franchise Celebrations
In a broader context, Saturday was a notable night for the franchise, marked by various celebrations, including honoring the club’s history during a game against the New York Rangers, which the Penguins managed to win, extending their successful streak to six games.
Keep up with the latest developments regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins, including player movements and highlights, by following their updates.
