Hitmen acquire Tanner Howe from Pats

The Calgary Hitmen have acquired Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Tanner Howe from the Regina Pats.

Howe, a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, is in his fourth full season in the Western Hockey League (WHL).

In return, the Hitmen sent defenseman Reese Hamilton, forward Keats Fawcett, a third-round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft and a second-round pick in the 2027 WHL Prospects Draft.

“We are thrilled to add a two-way player and leader to our group. In his three-plus years in the Western Hockey League, Tanner has demonstrated that he is an elite player and leader.” Hitmen general manager Harry Davidson announced the news in a press release.

“Trading a player of this caliber means you have to make the difficult decision to part ways with good young players. We wish Keats and Reese all the best in their careers.”

In four seasons, the 18-year-old forward has 98 goals and 142 assists for 240 points in 2017 games. He spent last season as captain of the Regina Pats, leading the team with 77 points.

“While this is an important deal for our franchise, it is also very difficult to bring a quality person and a quality player into Tanner Howe,” said Alan Millar, vice president of hockey operations and general manager of the Regina Pats.

“Tanner plays the game the right way, is a tremendous leader and a person with great values ​​and integrity. He has a very bright future in the game and we wish him all the best in Calgary and beyond with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tanner will always be Pat.”

He has six goals and one assist in 10 games this season.

Raised in Prince Albert, Sask., Howe signed an entry-level contract with the Penguins in July and was one of 39 KHL players invited to Canada’s national junior team summer exhibition.

The Hitmen have a 10-7-3-1 record through 21 games this season, ranking sixth in the WHL Eastern Conference.

The Hitmen return to the ice at the Saddledome on November 22 at 7:00 pm to take on the Victoria Royals.