Pittsburgh Penguins Prospect Tanner Howe Involved in a Major Trade

One of the better prospects the Pittsburgh Penguins has just become the centerpiece of the biggest trade in the CHL this season.

Tanner Howe was drafted 46th overall by the Penguins in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and was shipped from the Regina Pats to the Calgary Hitmen on Wednesday.

Moving along with him to Calgary was Corbin Vaughn.

Also going back to Regina will be Keets Fawcett, Reese Hamilton, three draft picks, and a nameless prospect in the trade.

Despite the trade, Howe's NHL rights remain solely with Pittsburgh and aren't affected by the CHL transaction.

It speaks, largely, to different approaches for the two WHL franchises.

Regina seems to be building depth down the road while Calgary seems to be gunning for a stronger roster now.

Howe has had a really strong year with the Pats this season, playing 10 games, and scoring six goals and seven points.

He served as a captain on his team and was one of the more consistent leaders and skilled players in the WHL where he scored 98 goals and 240 points in 217 games.

He was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins over the summer and even earned an invitation to Team Canada's training camp.

Howe was even invited to Pittsburgh's training camp this past pre-season, which would have been a great experience within the organization.

Calgary adds one of the highest-end players into their lineup, while Regina uses this trade to build toward the future.

That seemed to be the turning point where each of those teams went in one direction or the other in terms of the remainder of their seasons.

Meanwhile, Howe continued to develop his prospect status, one that will have Pittsburgh fans salivating at the thought of translating those talents into the NHL in a couple of years.