I do not see how anyone can say Howse is "likely a bust". He is 20 years old. Came off TWO SEPERATED SHOULDERS in the playoffs last season and never missed a game with those. I have seperated one shoulder, and gained 30 pounds in a summer because of the inability to run or seriously work out (while still taking in the same calories as if you were able to work out).
Are you saying that Cody Hodgson was a bust in Vancouver after he missed an entire season with his very serious back injury? IMHO Buffalo fleeced Vancouver on that deal.
Anyways, Ryan is in his 1st pro season, was still WHL eligable, and if he was deemed a bust by the Flames, would he not have returned him to Junior. He grew up. He worked his ass off, and now is doing things that many on here never expected from him (the ability to hit hard, backcheck and take care of his end etc.) He is likely causing the most of the buzz since his return from injury as he finally gets his feet under him in the "pro" game.
Horak was more pro ready, because of his experience with International Hockey and his time with the Wolfpack. Is he front line talent? Maybe...maybe not. The same could be said about Conroy or Tanguay...but both where #1 centres in this league.
Howse and Horak are only 20. I've watched both for the past few years. The Flames have 2 great kids, hard working guys who have upside. Neither are 1 dimentional, like some scouts claim that they are. That's why I feel Howse will make a very serious push next season in camp. Could fill that 2nd/3rd line roll with Horak very well (both on ELC's so much cheaper than what the open market/Free Agency would likely cost them).
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