Pittsburgh Penguins make two cuts from training camp, including top draft pick

While the focus for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024/25 is getting another shot at the Stanley Cup for their superstar trio, they have built a solid prospect pool, with another few additions this off-season giving them hope for a future. Now, with training camp nearing an end and the regular season just a few weeks away, they have officially made two more cuts, including 2024 second-round draft pick Tanner Howe.

The 18-year old will head back to the WHL with the Regina Pats where he starred a year ago, tallying an impressive 28 goals and 77 points in 68 games played, giving him a combined 162 points over his last two seasons. While many would think he's done all he can do to prove himself at the WHL level, the age restriction for CHL players moving towards the AHL limits them, so he must return to the Pats if he can't make the NHL team this season, and given Pittsburgh's lofty goals, that was never going to happen.

The other cut is Finn Harding, who will head back to the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL following a solid 34 point campaign with Mississauga that saw him get drafted late in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Penguins.

Both players are expected to compete for roster spots in the coming years with Pittsburgh, but in 2024 they were simply too young to give it a real shot as the Penguins have a veteran roster ready to compete now. However, both of these names are ones to keep an eye on for the future of Pittsburgh, as they along with the likes of Rutger McGroarty could be key pieces of the lineup for years to come.