Quinton Howden: 2010 NHL Draft Profile

In preparation for the NHL Draft on June 25, Die by the Blade will profile potential Buffalo Sabres Draft Picks.  This feature will run daily with one or two players profiled each day.

Quinton Howden

Center

Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

6'-2"  185 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Hometown:  Winnipeg, MB

Date of Birth:  January 21, 1992

Stats:  65 GP, 28 G, 37 A, 65 PTS 44 PIM

Scouting Report

The Good - Howden is projected to be an offensive forward in the NHL but he does not lack in the defensive zone. He is a big-bodied forward that skates very well, allowing him to be effective on the backcheck.

His biggest assets are in the offensive zone because of his hard and accurate shot that is NHL caliber.

The Bad -  He does not use his big body to his advantage enough. He tries to play more of a finesse game instead of recognizing the need to be more of a power forward. He will need to improve dramatically over the next couple of seasons or risk being nothing more than a complimentary player in the NHL.

What They Are Saying

NHL Central Scouting's Peter Sullivan

"His skating is so good for his size. His threat is his speed, not only to score goals, but to cause turnovers. He's excellent on the penalty kill, always a threat out there. If he gets a step on anybody he's gone."

Links

Jackets Cannon Draft Profile

Inside Hockey Draft Preview

Why The Sabres Might Pick Him

The Sabres have made a point to get bigger ad he is a big framed kid that has some offensive upside. He is a responsible two-way player that would fit well in the Lindy Ruff system.

Why The Sabres Might Pass on Him

He has a big body but doesn't use it. He appears to be built in the same mold of Drew Stafford and Staff went from promising young player to villain very quickly in Buffalo. He would be under a microscope in Buffalo and would probably have the fans turn on him very quickly.