Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden brings versatility to the lineup with his ability to play up and down the lineup.
Saturday's contest against Utah HC highlighted how valuable Howden has been to the Golden Knights this season. He finished the game with a goal and an assist in 15:12 and his goal was the game winner in overtime. Looking past the regular stats from Howden, he's provided the team with so much more. His six goals in 12 games rank second on the team and he's done all of it without playing a single second on the power play.
He's played games on the fourth line, third line and on the second line. He's lined up as a centre and a winger on both sides. He kills penalties as efficiently as anyone in the NHL, plays a defensively responsible game and adds a physical element.
The 26-year-old isn't always the most talked about player but HC Bruce Cassidy is appreciative of what he's provided to start the 2024-25 campaign.
"It gets him on the ice for sure, right? Could be a checking role. He's played up in the lineup," Cassidy on Howden's diversity in the lineup. "We've talked about why he's playing with Hertl and Pav, he's got some pace and can help out in the defensive side of things. He's still got good enough hands to finish plays. He went up with Stevie and Stoney in our Cup run, did a great job with them. You saw him finish plays, overtime goals. He's a guy that does a lot of things. I don't know if he's got one thing that's like his master craft, so to speak, but what I am finding is it looks like maybe he's finding his offensive game a little more."
Howden has been able to produce with any linemates he's been placed with but Cassidy has gone out of his way to try and play him with offensive guys to tap into his offensive game.
"You know, you're a first-round pick, and you go through some things, and maybe you have to change your game, and now the confidence is coming back for why he was selected there. Because he had some finish, and we're trying to tap into that and allow him, free him up a little, play him higher in the lineup, so we get some of those opportunities. And if he can do it, great, so far he has, so that's great for the team. We've talked about it enough that we need some people internally to step up to replace goals that left town. And he's one of the guys we identified, and good on him. If he had enough, he'd still be playing and playing a good role for us, because he's physical, he checks, he's a great teammate, good on the PK. So there's still a lot of good things. He can take draws if a center gets thrown out, so late in the game that's a guy ... there's just a lot of situations where, as a coach, you're comfortable using him."
When Howden was asked about his start to the season, he mentioned that his confidence had been building but was quick to give credit to his linemates.
"I think I've just built confidence over the years, obviously getting the chance to play with Hertl as well, a world-class centerman. And then, obviously, Pav playing the way he's playing. So, I mean, goes a lot to your linemates too, the way they play, so I'm just trying to balance some energy and play a good two-way game and try to bring offense when I can."
Howden was the 27th overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft and posted impressive numbers in the WHL before making his way to the big leagues. Howden had to go through the transition period from being the go-to guy when he was younger to filling in a role in the NHL. He's been doing that with Vegas for several years but has taken his game to the next level this year.
If the Oakbank, MB native can remain consistent, he'll set new career highs in every statistical category while providing the Golden Knights the intangibles he's developed. He's in the final year of his two-year contract and is set to become a UFA and could get paid if his production continues.
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