Grading Brett Howden's extension

Doesn't it feel good when you've worked hard for something and you're handsomely rewarded? Some instances make you feel validated for your hard work and effort.

For example, you've been building your skills in a particular field (coding, SEO, writing) for a year minimum. You finally get your dream job and can break away from neurotic customers at the call center. Brett Howden had something similar happen on Friday, signing a five-year, $2.5 million AAV contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights.

The forward was set to become a free agent after the 2024-25 season before the extension. However, the 26-year-old has eight goals this season, tied for second on the team. He's one goal short of tying his career-high set in 2019-20 with the New York Rangers and 2021-22 with the Golden Knights. Also, remember Howden reached the eight-goal mark in 72 games last season. This season? It took 20.

To say Howden's been valuable for Vegas is a massive understatement. The forward has elevated the bottom six group, providing speed and timely scoring. He's also improved his offensive game, adding new maneuvers and handles to his arsenal. In turn, it's led to his current deal being extended for five more years.

So how did Kelly McCrimmon do with the deal? Is the new contract sufficient for the Golden Knights and their long-term plans? Will Jack Eichel still be in play for a contract extension when the time comes? Let's grade the deal and see how the beloved general manager did.

Assessing Brett Howden's shiny new contract with the Vegas Golden Knights

Let's put things into perspective from a financial standpoint. Heading into next season, Howden ($2.5 million AAV) and Pavel Dorofeyev ($1.835 million AAV) will combine for a small cap hit of $4.335 million. Of course, the Russian forward is a restricted free agent after next season and is eligible for arbitration.

Still, that hasn't stopped McCrimmon from working deals with restricted free agents in the past. Let's use Dorofeyev as an example again. He received $825,000 last season, $100,000 less than his initial three-year entry-level contract. His one-year extension only doubled his money, which bodes well for the Golden Knights.

That also bodes well for the Golden Knights retaining Jack Eichel. The superstar center already has 23 assists (second in the NHL) and 29 points (tied for fifth in the NHL). Therefore, it's safe to say he'll fetch a deal more than the $10 million he's currently earning.

So how does this help McCrimmon with this situation? He doesn't break the bank to retain Howden's services and keeps his price tag at a reasonable level. The 26-year-old is projected to score 33 goals in an 82-game season, shattering his career-high.

The Calgary native would've seen his price tag jump by more than $1 million. It would've put him out of reach, leaving the Golden Knights without much lower-line depth. Either McCrimmon chooses to stick with his superstar for a long, pricey contract or he uses that money to sign lower-line players for more than they're worth. It appears the general manager is working on getting Eichel and lower-line depth for a reasonable price.

How did Kelly McCrimmon do with Howden's contract extension?

Weaving through the difficult aspects of satisfying both parties can be difficult, especially in the NHL. You're restricted by the salary cap and can't open a blank checkbook. Still, McCrimmon has made it work with the recent slew of contract extensions, ranging from Shea Theodore to Howden's new deal.

What's more, Jonathan Marchessault is earning more than the Calgary native and Dorofeyev combined ($5.5 million AAV). Yet, the former Conn Smythe winner only has three goals. That's a testament to the wise decision-making embraced by the Golden Knights general manager. Why go with an older player who won't outperform his contract when you have younger talent who can produce at a higher clip?

Therefore, it's safe to say this contract extension was an absolute home run.

The deal is a low-risk, high-reward signing that can solidify the Golden Knights offensively on the lower lines. It should provide them with a stable forward leading the way, delivering ample scoring. The extension also keeps Jack Eichel's future extension in play, making life easier on the salary cap.

Nobody expected McCrimmon to keep three names around for the long haul. That's especially true after what transpired this past summer with Marchessault. However, you shouldn't doubt your general manager if he's winning you a Stanley Cup or two. That's certainly the case with the latest contract extension, which could pay dividends for the Golden Knights.