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Prospect Profile: Brett Howden |
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We continue our offseason prospect profiles with a look at 19-year-old center, Brett Howden.
Background Info
Howden, a native of Oakbank, Manitoba, was selected fifth-overall by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. He has played with the Warriors for the past four seasons.
The Tampa Bay Lighting then drafted Howden with the 27th pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
The Stat Line
As one would hope, Howden has witnessed tremendous growth in his four seasons with Moose Jaw. Both his goal and assists numbers have increased substantially since his first season where he only saw action in five games.
This past season, Howden tallied 38 goals and 43 assists, giving him 81 points on the year. In 199 games with the Warriors, he has found the back of the net on 85 separate occasions and added 107 assists to his name.
Howden has also seen limited action for the Syracuse Crunch in the Calder Cup Playoffs, playing in three games and recording two assists.
Scouting Report
At six feet two inches, Howden is a strong, physical presence on the ice. People within the Lightning organization applaud his hockey sense and ability to be a solid two-way center. His sheer fight and determination to put his best effort on the ice every shift also translate into some great leadership qualities.
There is some uncertainty in regards to what his production numbers at the NHL level will look like. The chances of him transforming into any sort of lights-out scoring machine are slim and he is going to have to start shooting the puck more often.
Future Outlook
Howden is expected to be assigned back with Moose Jaw for the 2017-18 season. If his skillset remains close to what it is now, he will most likely take on the role of a third-line center at the NHL level. If he can make improvements in his scoring abilities, I would say that second-line centerman would be his ceiling.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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