Tanner Howe of the Pittsburgh Penguins' Prospect was sidelined for nine months due to ACL surgery

The Pittsburgh Penguins still have to wait a little longer to see the full blossom of rising young star Tanner Howe. The 19-year-old forward underwent surgery to repair his right knee ACL and will now expect to miss approximately nine months of play. While this injury serves as a setback for the team, for Howe, this is bittersweet, as he was just starting to pave his way through the ranks with promising performances at both junior International levels.

Second-round selection Tanner Howe rose greatly over the past season. The native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, proved he was able to score and assist for WHL franchises Regina Pats and Calgary Hitmen in two different club teams this season. In 47 combined regular-season matches, Howe got 46 points, scoring 18 goals and 28 assists.

Playoffs saw him continue to make an impact. With the Calgary Hitmen, Howe gathered nine more points, adding nicely to their second-round confrontation against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Although the Hitmen were eliminated in seven games, Howe made a whole lot of noise in the offensive department.

On the international level, Howe participated with Team Canada in the World Juniors Championship 2025. While his modest contributions in points-with one goal in five games-play are impressive for a boy his age, just being invited to represent the national squad at such an early age speaks volumes about his potential and drive. Canada did not shine at the tournament, following up with a quarterfinal exit.
However, with the knee injury and subsequent operation, there is now a pall over his progress. Recovery from an ACL is generally a long and arduous rehabilitation process, especially for young sportspersons in high-impact sports such as hockey. The Penguins are likely to take a cautious decision about his return and, most likely, prioritize long-term health and development rather than hurrying him back out on the ice.
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Indeed, the Tanner Howe injury is a most sad inconvenience for the organization as it seeks to rebuild a youth-influenced win-loss ratio. A nine-month layoff is a serious setback, but Howe has already proven enough talent and tenacity to come back. There is reason to be optimistic for Howe's recovery in the 2025-26 season, with Howe's determination and the Penguins backing him.