Brett Howden receives an interesting line promotion on the Golden Knights

Brett Howden isn't one to usually play on the top line. After all, he's hanging out on the fourth line to provide scoring for the Vegas Golden Knights. However, Monday's practice gave the forward an opportunity to play alongside Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev.

For context, Howden has two goals in seven games for the Golden Knights this season. He's been part of a quiet lower-line unit that's seen players like Keegan Kolesar (two assists) and Brandon Saad (one assist) struggle early. Of course, this is nothing new from Bruce Cassidy, who's accustomed to making the necessary lineup shakeups with Vegas.

Still, there's reason for optimism with Howden. Last season was a career year for the 27-year-old, who scored 23 goals and 17 assists. Those numbers reflect a player growing in every aspect, whether it's hits (121 last season) or winning face-offs (52.7%).

Brett Howden can revitalize himself with his latest Vegas Golden Knights opportunity

When you're on the same line as one of the league's top points players in Jack Eichel (19 entering Monday, tied for second in the NHL), you can bolster your points totals. However, that hasn't been the case for the Golden Knights to start the season.

Bruce Cassidy tried putting Brandon Saad alongside Ivan Barbashev and Eichel with little success. He also tried Alexander Holtz with the line, where he was bumped off afterwards. Overall, it's been a frustrating time for Cassidy to watch his guys not produce.

So why not Howden for a change? Last season, Howden was serviceable in nine games with Eichel, producing an expected goals percentage of 58.8% with Dorofeyev. When Mark Stone was on his line? 60% for the expected goals percentage, according to MoneyPuck. Those numbers should inspire confidence in Cassidy to kick the tires on Howden playing at the top.

Will Howden's new spot have staying power?

Golden Knights fans know that Cassidy is an artist when it comes to his lines. He does whatever it takes to make the perfect unit, sculpting and crafting like a modern day Leonardo Da Vinci. That's why there's not much hope for Howden to stay in his new spot.

However, he can prolong his stay with a stellar campaign. With a challenging homestand against teams like the Detroit Red Wings and the Florida Panthers, it's a good opportunity for him to stick around by scoring a few goals. That would also showcase his evolution as a player, becoming a key player in the process.

After all, that's what happened with Mitch Marner after joining the second line. Suddenly, the group of Marner, Dorofeyev, and Hertl has become one of the most threatening lines in the NHL. Giving your top winger all sorts of options to score makes him even more potent.

That could be a lighter case for Howden solely because of Eichel. The unit suddenly becomes faster, carrying legs with them. But it's on the former first-round pick to make that happen. Otherwise, Cassidy will bring out his patented line blender for mixing again.