Vegas Golden Knights fans noticed some peculiar news on Tuesday. According to VGK Insider Show, Brett Howden wasn't in Tuesday's lineup against the Calgary Flames. In his place? Former Ottawa Senator Cole Reinhardt.
Per VGK Insider Show, Brett Howden is out of the lineup tonight. Cole Reinhardt will make his team debut in his place on the 4th line.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) October 14, 2025
No word on whether or not it's an injury or healthy scratch.
Reinhardt hasn't had much of a chance to shine in his short career. He's only played 18 career games, scoring a goal and an assist. The former sixth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft spent his career in the Senators' minor leagues, specifically in the AHL. Here, he scored 54 goals and 77 assists in five seasons with the Belleville Senators.
He's also well-versed from his WHL days, dominating the league with the Brandon Wheat Kings. He scored 75 goals and 66 assists in four seasons, marking an excellent youth career.
What Cole Reinhardt's promotion means for the Vegas Golden Knights
Kelly McCrimmon loved what Reinhardt brought to the table as a Golden Knight. He was a big player who was also fast, making him perfect for the lower lines. Therefore, it's easy to see why the general manager would bring him in for such a situation.
In fact, he showed some tenacity during the preseason. He stuck up for his teammates and fought any adversaries coming towards his team. Such play is admirable for Vegas Golden Knights fans, especially with some worried about the lack of grit.
The good news? He'll join Lauzon and add to said grit. That can only mean the defensive units get tougher, deterring opponents from messing with the Golden Knights. It's something the team hasn't had since the Ryan Reaves days, where he would simply punish his opponents.
Watch for Reinhardt to make some noise against Calgary. He's a fun player who creates chaos all over the ice. That could lead to greater things for Golden Knights fans, specifically those looking for the team to have an edge.