Nobody saw it coming.
Nobody expected Brett Howden to score 23 goals and 17 assists in 2024-25. The Vegas Golden Knights greatly appreciated his efforts by granting him a five-year, $2.5 million AAV contract extension.
He earned his stripes by scoring three goals in the postseason. Overall, last season was an incredible breakout season for the 27-year-old, who showed why the Tampa Bay Lightning picked him in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
I mean, look at this absolute beauty of a goal. He single-handly won the game for the Golden Knights on November 2nd.
BRETT HOWDEN! 😮💨
— NHL (@NHL) November 3, 2024
His sixth goal of the season is the @Energizer overtime winner as the @GoldenKnights improve to 8-0-0 at home! pic.twitter.com/WhfWZ9mKIT
It was so vulgar that it was delayed. It's enough to make you say...
Imagine the faces of millions of Golden Knights fans when they saw his backhanded beauty in overtime. That was the goal that put him on the map, leading to his eventual contract extension.
With 2025-26 comes another opportunity to go even further. It was nice to finally hit double digits in goals and tie your career-high in assists. However, that's not enough.
You see, there's a reason why the Golden Knights have made two Stanley Cup Finals and won a Stanley Cup in eight seasons. They're looking for another championship with Mitch Marner in tow. That means Howden must break that glass ceiling... again. Here's how.
How Brett Howden can elevate his game with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2025-26
One reason why Howden set a career-high in goals in 2024-25 is because he's tenacious. The 27-year-old fights on every play and is a bulldog on every play. That's nice and all. However, he must do more when called upon.
There will be injuries during the 2025-26 season. Let's get that out of the way. That means players like Howden must take on bigger roles when needed and fill in on the top line. He must continue playing like a bulldog with Mitch Marner or Jack Eichel and carry that attitude over.
He could also learn from Shea Theodore and create more rebounds for his teammates. Last season, he had 10 rebounds, which was 0.8 above his expected total (according to MoneyPuck). He must also improve his shot selection, specifically in the unblocked category (48% Fenwick last season).
If Howden can make these minor adjustments, he'll have a prominent role in the middle of the lineup. The bad news is that the Golden Knights have a plethora of offensive talent above him. The winger will have his work cut out for him if he wants a better role in the lineup.
There's nothing wrong with being in the lower rungs of the Golden Knights lineup
Despite having a conga line of Golden Knights forwards ahead of him, there's nothing wrong with where Howden is in the lineup. Being a fourth-line player comes with its perks.
For example, you're seen as a reliable scoring option on the fourth line. Alongside Keegan Kolesar, who had a similar breakout season in 2024-25, Howden can flank the left wing with speed and improved puck-handling skills.
The 27-year-old can also hit people, with a career-high 121 hits last season. The purpose of being on the lower rungs is breaking down your opponents as the game wears on. It's also providing energy to the team, which is where the forward excels. His improved physicality and speed can lead the Golden Knights out of a mid-game funk.
Just don't mess up that Justin Bieber-like face. That's all we ask from you. Keep it clean so Vegas can see what a glorious champion you can be when you hoist the Stanley Cup again.