The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned two players from training camp to their respective junior teams on Wednesday. One of the cuts is a player fans might want to keep an eye on for the future.
Forward Tanner Howe was sent back to the Regina Pats, while defenseman Finn Harding returned to the Brampton Steelheads. Both were Penguins draft picks from June, with Howe selected in the second round and Harding in the seventh.
Howe, 18, is an intriguing prospect with notable offensive potential and a reputation for being a pest, particularly in front of the net. He signed an entry-level contract after development camp in the summer, which will take effect once he turns pro, and he was also invited to Team Canada’s summer showcase camp.
Although Howe was expected to participate in the Penguins’ prospect tournament before training camp, he suffered a facial injury and was unable to play. By Wednesday, he was still practicing with a face shield, and it remains unclear if the injury affected his time at camp.