saying that its going to happen like its a fact is different than hoping it'll happen. i don't question he could crack the lineup as a 4th liner permanently, but saying he'll be a top-9 forward, at this point in time, is wishful thinking. not saying its impossible, but highly unlikely imo.
some people may have higher hopes solely because he was a 1st round pick, but draft position means nothing. he could've been the last pick in the draft, wouldnt change who he is. he needs to be looked at just like any other prospect and he hasn't proven that much at the pro level for me to assume he'll definitely become a top-9 player for us. what makes him that different from garrett wilson? he too had a successful career in the ohl, is a year older, similar size, same position, and didnt have a half bad season last year in the ahl, he's been playing in the ahl full-time for the last 2 years while playing in the echl mostly in his first 2 years while getting some ahl games in too. i mean i havent watched either of them terribly closely, but other than howden's speed and a little more skill, what really separates the two? not to focus comparing him to wilson, just saying we should ignore the draft position and look at him just like any other prospect. sometimes it sounds like we almost guarantee a future spot for them solely based on being a high pick. he hasn't proved much at the ahl level yet so he'll have to prove it to management at camp and preseason (and call ups, which i thought he looked solid in and thats why i think he'd make for a fine 4th line option if he earns it).
