Summary
The Vegas Golden Knights are preparing to welcome forward Brett Howden back to their active roster. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed that Howden is expected to play in the team's next game against the Edmonton Oilers. Howden has been out of action since January due to an injury, and his return provides a much-needed boost to a team currently missing several key players. This move helps stabilize the team’s lineup as they head into a critical part of the season.
Main Impact
The return of Brett Howden is a significant development for the Golden Knights' lineup structure. For the past several weeks, the team has been forced to play athletes out of their natural positions to cover for injuries. Most notably, star winger Mitch Marner was moved to the center position to fill a gap in the middle of the ice. With Howden back, Marner can return to his usual spot on the wing, where he is often more effective. This shift allows the coaching staff to create more balanced lines and improves the team's overall defensive and offensive flow.
Key Details
What Happened
Brett Howden was placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) earlier this year after suffering a lower-body injury. After missing significant time, he has been cleared to play. The Golden Knights do not need to trade any players or move anyone else off the roster to make room for him. This is because the team still has several other players, including Alex Pietrangelo and William Karlsson, on the injury list. Their absence creates enough space under the league's salary cap to allow Howden to return immediately.
Important Numbers and Facts
Before his injury, Howden was having a productive season. In 39 games, he recorded 9 goals and 6 assists, totaling 15 points. He has been playing about 15 minutes per game, which shows how much the coaches trust him. One of his biggest strengths this year has been his performance in the faceoff circle, where he has won 50.6% of his draws. Additionally, Howden brings a physical presence to the ice, averaging nearly two hits per game. At 27 years old, he is currently in his eighth season in the NHL.
Background and Context
Howden is a natural center who has spent much of his time in Vegas playing as a winger. However, this season he has been used primarily in the middle of the ice. Last year was a breakout season for him, as he scored 23 goals and earned 40 points. While his scoring pace has slowed down slightly this year, his role as a reliable two-way player has become even more important. The Golden Knights have dealt with a long list of injuries to veteran leaders like Mark Stone and William Karlsson. In a league where depth is the key to winning, having a versatile player like Howden who can play multiple roles is vital for the team's success.
Public or Industry Reaction
The hockey community has noted how aggressive the Golden Knights have been in managing their roster lately. Just before the trade deadline, the team acquired Nic Dowd and Cole Smith to help fix their lack of depth. These moves were seen as a way to protect the team while waiting for players like Howden to get healthy. Analysts believe that adding Howden back into a lineup that now includes Dowd and Smith makes Vegas a much tougher team to play against. It gives them a "heavy" style of play that is very difficult to beat in the playoffs. Fans are generally excited to see the team slowly returning to full strength.
What This Means Going Forward
Looking ahead, Howden’s return will help the Golden Knights manage the heavy workload placed on their other forwards. Players like Brandon Saad and Reilly Smith have had to take on more responsibility than usual while the team was short-handed. Now, the team can spread out the playing time more evenly. The upcoming game against the Oilers will be a major test, as Edmonton has one of the fastest offenses in hockey. Howden’s defensive skills and ability to win faceoffs will be key in trying to stop Edmonton's top scorers. If Howden can stay healthy, he will be a major part of the team's push for a high seed in the playoffs.
Final Take
While Brett Howden may not be the highest-scoring player on the team, his return is a vital piece of the puzzle for Vegas. He provides the physical play and defensive reliability that the team has missed over the last two months. By allowing other stars to return to their natural roles, Howden’s presence makes the entire roster better. His return marks the beginning of what the Golden Knights hope is a healthy run toward another championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LTIR and how did it affect Howden?
LTIR stands for Long-Term Injured Reserve. It is a list for players who will miss at least 10 games and 24 days of the season. When a player is on this list, their salary does not count against the team's cap in the same way, allowing the team to bring in replacements.
Who will Brett Howden play with now that he is back?
Howden has recently played as a center in the top three lines. He often plays alongside players like Mark Stone or Brandon Saad. His return allows the team to move Mitch Marner back to his preferred position on the wing.
When is his first game back?
He is expected to be in the lineup for the game against the Edmonton Oilers on March 8, 2026. He has been out of the lineup since January.