Howden performed largely middle with Moose Jaw of the Western Hockey League from 2013-18. He had the ability to place up 81 factors (38 objectives, 43 assists) in 58 video games in 2016-17, then 75 factors (24 objectives, 51 assists) in 49 video games the subsequent season.
With the New York Rangers from 2018-21, he additionally performed largely middle. He stated when coach David Quinn put him on the wing, Quinn would inform him it was to free him up from defensive obligations so he may skate.
Since becoming a member of the Golden Knights in 2021-22, Howden has bounced between middle and wing extra typically. He had 10 factors (5 objectives, 5 assists) in 22 playoff video games when Vegas gained the Stanley Cup in 2023 and set NHL profession highs in objectives (23), assists (17) and factors (40) 80 regular-season video games in 2024-25.
This season, he had 22 factors (12 objectives, 10 assists) in 58 video games, lacking two stretches with lower-body accidents. After John Tortorella turned coach March 29 and began shuffling the lineup, Howden was comfy bouncing round, as a result of he had carried out it beneath Bruce Cassidy already and loved it.
“I believe that basically helped me, truthfully,” Howden stated. “It form of helped me see the sport differently typically once I wanted just a little refresher. …
“I believe once I’m on the wing, I’ve the flexibility to fly out of the zone just a little extra, possibly push the (defensemen) again, which provides our middle just a little extra time, extra ice with the puck. That’s the best way I form of take a look at it. However then once I go to middle, I form of like getting the puck within the center and having the ability to skate too. So yeah, I imply, I like each.”
It appears like he simply likes to play hockey.
“Yeah, precisely,” he stated with fun. “I’ve a forechecking mindset. I’m a north-south participant, which I discovered beneath Bruce. He actually needed me to try this, and the extra I’ve carried out that, I like getting pucks in deep and forechecking.”
Tortorella loves that too. We’ll see how Tortorella handles the lineup within the second spherical, however he appeared to discover a good second line later within the first spherical with Howden on the left wing, Marner at middle and Mark Stone on the proper wing.
“He’s a man that strikes his ft very effectively,” Marner stated of Howden. “He finds open ice. He’s not afraid to get in there and throw his physique round as effectively, and (he) makes good little delicate performs as effectively. Yeah, I’ve loved taking part in with Brett for the final little bit right here. I believe we’re rising chemistry because it goes on, so yeah, it’s been nice simply to see him explode with confidence and making performs. He does so many nice issues for us on that ice.”