The Pittsburgh Penguins have added more offensive talent to the organization.
After a down year, Pittsburgh has been looking for ways to improve its roster with the years of Sidney Crosby leading the way coming to an end sooner than later. However, they also have to look to the future before the Crosby era is over.
Part of looking to the future will be getting younger throughout the organization, which the Penguins did through the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. They made sure to sign one of their key draft picks on Wednesday by signing one of their two second-round picks.
Pittsburgh’s president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas announced that the Penguins reached a three-year, entry-level deal with No. 46 overall selection Tanner Howe.
The 18-year-old has shown flashes of greatness in his time with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Howe played in 68 games last season for Regina, scoring 28 goals and dishing out 49 assists — good for 77 points on the campaign. He also served as the captain for the Pats.
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In the 2022-23 season, Howe finished with 36 goals, 49 assists and 85 points while paired up with former linemate and 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard.
Howe is unlikely to see any NHL or AHL action this season with the likelihood of returning to Regina for one more season thanks to another season of eligibility. Nonetheless, the Penguins are building for the future by signing their draft picks.
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Featured image via Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports