Tanner Howe took the reins of the Regina Pats
Throughout the 2023-2024 NHL season, TSLH Prospects shares observation reports and prospect profiles on young players eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft. Similar to the past four seasons, the columnists produce texts on a significant number of prospects to provide a comprehensive overview of the cohort and its progress. Today, the focus is on Tanner Howe, a forward playing in the WHL.
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Following Connor Bedard’s departure to the NHL, Tanner Howe has emerged as the top player for the Regina Pats. This organization, which hasn’t made it past the first round of playoffs since the 2017 final, has struggled to assert itself in the WHL for far too long. During this period, decision-makers have failed to adequately surround their top players, leaving them to fend for themselves at their level. Consequently, the pressure is immense, and they are asked for far too much over the course of a season.
Last year, much emphasis was placed on Connor Bedard’s presence in the gameplay and production of Tanner Howe. However, did the prospect truly benefit from it? Did playing alongside the generational hockey player, who now suits up for the Chicago Blackhawks, allowed him to play above his capabilities throughout the season? This is what we wanted to find out this year with Tanner Howe, and we were not disappointed. Indeed, with a production of 75 points in 65 games, the forward showcased the full extent of his talent on a struggling team.
Personally, I would argue that Tanner Howe did not necessarily feel the void beyond the fact that no one is truly capable of keeping up with him in the lineup. The youngster displayed consistency throughout the calendar, except for a few games between December and January. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 181 pounds, Tanner Howe is tasked with a lot, in all aspects of the game. He is arguably one of the best defensive forwards in the 2024 NHL draft.
It’s hard to fault him for anything. One could mention his size (which isn’t so bad), but his commitment is unwavering, and he can hold his own in traffic and after the whistle to disrupt opponents. It’s in his DNA. His motor is excellent. Tanner Howe keeps going to the net and asserting himself along the boards in a context where he isn’t the biggest or strongest. We don’t see physical domination from him or instances where he easily overpowers an opponent by force. However, his determination allows him to surprise his opponents more often than not.
Apart from his size, I personally find that there’s a slight lack of power in his shot, which places him a bit lower on my list for the 2024 NHL draft. Even though his shooting arsenal is commendable, his lack of strength prevents him from consistently beating goalkeepers. Thus, I don’t see him becoming a top scorer in the show. Tanner Howe will always have to be the one who asserts himself around the net to rack up garbage goals. It’s okay to have this style, as that’s how goals are scored in the pros. However, his size will hinder him, as will his skating.
Indeed, there’s a lack of explosiveness in my eyes. The prospect lacks separation speed to break free and control the action. It occurs consistently in the WHL, but against high-level athletes, I fear it will greatly limit his opportunities to stand out. Fortunately, he’s a very intelligent forward who masters offensive and defensive positioning. Moreover, he demonstrates puck management well beyond his age. Thus, it minimizes mistakes and allows him to be useful in all aspects of the game for his coaches.
With his work ethic, I have no doubt that his shortcomings will be improved upon in the coming years. This may be the aspect that will allow him to make it to the NHL and lay the groundwork for further offensive development. Will it take time? Certainly, but I believe in his chances.
Even though there’s a lot of speculation in his evaluation and uncertainties, we can’t ignore the fact that Tanner Howe is a warrior who establishes himself as one of the most complete forwards in the WHL despite his young age. A team should pick him up in the first tier of the draft, even in the first round if they believe in his talent.
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