Predicting the 2024-25 season for Brett Howden
You thought the next iteration of predictions was about a stud player like Tomas Hertl or Noah Hanifin, didn't you? You thought it'd be an important player (i.e. Mark Stone) that would get love and attention?
This time, we're going in a different direction, focusing on a lower-line player in Brett Howden. Not many people think about Howden other than Vegas Golden Knights fans. He's a forechecking specialist, using his body to establish himself on his respective line. He's also great at taking away the puck, making him dangerous in Bruce Cassidy's system.
However, the center doesn't do much offensively. He only scored 23 goals and 29 assists during his three-year career with the Golden Knights. That doesn't amount to much, especially when his career-high in goals is nine. Still, there could be good reason to believe he'll score more in 2024-25. That's especially true with the new lineup offering more opportunities for players like himself.
So what does the upcoming year look like for the Calgary native? Will Howden give a big ol' "Howdy" to the hockey world and surprise people? There have been crazier things that have happened in the NHL, including an expansion team making the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season (wink, wink). Here's what's in store for the Golden Knights center in 2024-25.
How will Brett Howden do with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2024-25?
The one factor determining how Brett Howden does in 2024-25 is where he plays in the lineup. Will he be on the grind with the fourth line, which has Keegan Kolesar? Perhaps he'll spend time on the third unit with William Karlsson, which could boost his overall offensive stats. Whatever the case, his production will vary by where he sits within the line combinations and who his linemates are.
He could also boost his numbers to the line he had in his rookie season. In 2018-19, he scored 17 assists with the New York Rangers. Although he might struggle to match that number this season, the opening could pair him with a reputable center like Karlsson. However, Howden himself can score more if he gets involved in the play.
Overall, the center should score eight goals and 10 assists this season. He should exceed 100 hits, putting up a total of 110. While these won't give him any recognition like Mark Stone, it's part of a gritty job he's taken on. That's the only thing the Golden Knights should ask from him this season, specifically as a bottom-six player.
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