Knights forward signs 5-year extension after ‘whirlwind’ day

Brett Howden scored a goal in the Golden Knights’ much-needed road win against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.

A contract extension was waiting for him after the game.

Howden didn’t think a new deal was coming so soon after the 3-2 victory, in which he scored his eighth goal of the season to continue an impressive start. But the Knights were ready to strike. They signed Howden to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million, the team announced Friday.

“Last night was a bit of a whirlwind,” Howden said in an interview posted on the Knights’ X account. “I was just super excited to tell my family.”

Howden, 26, said contract talks between his agent J.P. Barry and Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon had not been going on for long.

The deal shows how far he’s come.

Howden, a 2016 first-round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning, was first acquired by the Knights in July 2021 from the New York Rangers for defenseman Nick DeSimone and a fourth-round pick. He scored 49 points in 178 games and was a minus-29 in his time with the Rangers, but he was a talented player McCrimmon was willing to bet on.

The trade paid off. Howden has become a regular in the Knights’ lineup in his four seasons with the team, scoring 61 points in 193 games while being plus-1. He was also a huge part of the team’s run to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023. Howden scored 10 points in 22 games that postseason skating with captain Mark Stone and center Chandler Stephenson.

“Getting the chance to start somewhere fresh and new was the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me,” Howden said. “Coming to a new spot and a winning culture, as well, it really helped me change my game.”

Howden is off to the best start of his career this season.

His eight goals are tied for the second-most on the Knights with left wing Ivan Barbashev. He’s just one away from matching his career high.

Howden’s versatility has also been a huge boost for the Knights. He started the season at fourth-line center, but has since shifted to second-line left wing. He can play up and down the lineup depending on what the team needs.

“I just think over the years I’ve built more confidence and I’m surrounded by such great players that it’s easy to learn from (them) and easy to play with (them),” Howden said. “I just feel very grateful I was given the opportunity to come here.”

Howden is the third pending unrestricted free agent the Knights have signed to an extension this season. Defenseman Shea Theodore got a seven-year, $51.975 million deal Oct. 24. Defenseman Brayden McNabb inked a three-year, $10.95 million contract Nov. 15.

Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.