Per RedWingsCentral.com
Grand Rapids GM in January 2008:
He keeps us in every game. He's focused, he's very confident and his physical regime has been a plus in terms of his quickness. At this stage, it appears he is (ready for the NHL). He rarely gives (up a bad goal now). That's just part of a goalie's development. When they're beating him, they're beating him with a good goal. He looks just about ready. If he finishes (strong), he will be a factor next year in Detroit.

Ken Holland in September 2008:
If Jimmy comes in and he's obviously the best guy (for the backup job, up against Ty Conklin), then we’re going to have to re-evaluate. Jimmy is going to lose any tie. I’ve explained that to Jimmy. Our plan is that he is going to be on our team in '09-10 for sure.

Strengths:
Hybrid goalie whose style is cross between stand-up and butterfly ... Mixes various styles and uses smarts to go down or stay on feet when appropriate ... Big-save goaltender who has a history of performing in clutch situations ... Excellent size, poise and fundamentals ... Makes effortless saves and puck just seems to hit him ... Doesn't give up any rebounds and sucks everything in ... Can look unbeatable at times because of smarts, positioning and angle play ... Calm, composed in goal ... CBC analyst Kelly Hrudey compares Howard to Tim Thomas.

Weaknesses:
Still can't shake inconsistency, and needs to figure out a way to level out the highs and lows if he expects to be a No. 1 goaltender in the NHL ... Needs to keep his confidence and focus when things aren't going well ... Struggles with rebounds and high shots when off his game.

Projection:
It's now or never for Howard after four years in the AHL. He is no longer waiver exempt, and Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has already said he will be be Chris Osgood's backup in 2009-10. Howard was never able to put together a dominating AHL season, but he is a quality goaltender who has paid his dues in the minors and is ready to get his NHL shot.
Sounds like he could be solid but nothing special. Maybe learning from Osgood for an entire season will help that inconsistency and the highs/lows aspect. Osgood went through that same thing when he was a young goalie.