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The fifth overall pick of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, Brett Howden has had success no matter where he goes. He had a strong year with the Moose Jaw Warriors, putting up 24 goals and 40 assists for 64 points in 68 games. In the playoffs he added 15 points in 10 games, but his Warriors fell in the second round. He immediately headed to Fargo North Dakota, joining Team Canada at the IIHF Under 18 World Championship, and has put up 5 goals and 8 points through 4 tournament games, and helped lead the Canadian Team to the semi-finals as of the time of this writing. It isn’t the first time Howden has been on the international stage though, as he was an underager on Team Canada at last year’s tournament winning bronze; he captained Canada to gold in the summer’s Ivan Hlinka tournament; and took part in the 2015 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. Howden also played in this year’s CHL top prospect game. Another prospect with strong bloodlines, his brother is Florida Panthers rookie forward, and former first round draft pick, Quinton Howden.
Brett Howden Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #24
Center — shoots Left
Born Mar 29 1998 — Oakbank, MAN
Height 6’03” — Weight 190 lbs [191 cm / 86 kg]
Brett Howden is skilled in all three zones. He is blessed with good size, and takes advantage of it, using leverage and working hard in the dirty areas of the ice. Howden is skilled at creating offence by winning battles along the boards, as well as establishing position and getting tip-ins and rebounds in front of the net. He also has a strong wrist shot and good release. Howden protects the puck well in the cycle game, extending plays, and keeping the puck down low in the offensive zone to create for teammates. Howden uses his body, and long reach to shield defenders from the puck. He has excellent vision and hockey IQ, finding teammates for good scoring opportunities, and finding openings in the defence to get himself open for a pass. Not usually one to try for a high risk play, Howden plays a simple straight line game. However, this is very effective, as he has a non-stop motor that puts pressure on opposing defenders, and he has the skills to produce offensively when opportunities are created as a result of the hard work.
Brett Howden is a good skater. While his first step, and his acceleration could use a little work, he does have good top end speed. He excels in other areas though, as his agility and edgework are very good, allowing him to maneouver through traffic on the rush, and in the zone. Howden also has very good lower body strength. He has excellent balance and is tough to knock off the puck. Howden’s strong stride allows him to fight through checks and get to the front of the net. He could stand to add some weight though, before he is ready for the next level.
Howden is a strong defender. He is willing to back check hard and does all the little things that will make him a coaches favorite in his own end of the ice. Howden cuts down passing lanes and blocks shots. He supports his defence in the corners and can pin his man on the boards and take him out of the play. One-on-one he forces attackers to the outside and takes away good scoring opportunities.
Overall Howden is a strong two-way player. The question marks here are about how high in a lineup he can go. It is doubtful that he will ever be a first line center on an NHL contender, but he could be an effective two-way player on the second line. He must continue to work on generating offence, and work on adding muscle to his frame for that to happen. In terms of a comparable, Howden is a lot like Sean Couturier of the Flyers. This isn’t a talent comparison though, but one based on style only.
The following is a compiliation of Brett Howden’s highlights, taken from youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the #25 prospect on our draft rankings.
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