It has been a rough year injury-wise for several Pittsburgh Penguins' prospects.

And it appears that they have been dealt another blow - and a pretty big one.

Top forward prospect Tanner Howe - selected in the second round (46th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft - underwent successful reconsructive surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, it was announced Thursday by Penguins' POHO and GM Kyle Dubas.

Howe is expected to be in recovery from the surgery for nine months, which would keep him out until at least January of 2026. He was injured during a WHL playoff game for the Calgary Hitmen.

The 19-year-old forward from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan registered 18 goals and 46 points in 47 games between the Regina Pats and Hitmen, as he was traded to Calgary midseason. In six WHL playoff games, he tallied two goals and nine points.

Howe also played for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship and scored one goal in his five WJC games. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins after being drafted last summer. 

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