There’s no doubt that New York Rangers coach David Quinn likes Brett Howden. Howden and Quinn both arrived at the same time, Howden in the McDonagh trade with the Lightning and Quinn just two months later from Boston University. When the Rangers got him, most observers had Howden pegged as a top five prospect for the Lightning.
Howden had been a first round draft pick for Tampa Bay, picked 27th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. When drafted he was coming off a point-a-game season for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL, scoring 24 goals and 64 points in 68 games.