Brett Howden signed a five-year $12.5 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday. It has an average annual value of $2.5 million and runs through the 2029-30 season.
The 26-year-old forward has nine points (eight goals, one assist) in 20 games this season and could have become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
"After the game [3-2 win against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday], I actually officially signed the contract with [GM] Kelly [McCrimmon]," Howden told the Golden Knights website Friday. "It's pretty crazy. I didn't really realize it was going to happen right after the game, so last night as a bit of a whirlwind. I was super excited to tell my family and just pretty relieved to have it done."
Acquired by Vegas from the New York Rangers on July 17, 2021, Howden has 61 points (31 goals, 30 assists) in 193 regular-season games during four seasons with the Golden Knights, and 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 29 Stanley Cup Playoff games with them. He won the Cup in 2023.
"I feel like over the years I've definitely grown obviously as a player on the ice and a person off the ice," Howden said. "Just getting a chance to start somewhere fresh, new, was the greatest thing that could have ever happened to me. Coming to a new spot and a winning culture as well really helped change my game. I just think over the years I built more confidence. I'm surrounded by such great players that it's easy to learn from and easy to play with. I feel very grateful I was given the opportunity to come here."
Selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round (No. 27) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Howden has 110 points (47 goals, 63 assists) in 371 regular-season games for the Golden Knights and Rangers.
Earlier this season, the Golden Knights signed defenseman Shea Theodore to a seven-year, $51.975 million contract ($7.425 million AAV), on Oct. 24.
The Golden Knights (12-6-2) play at the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, CITY, SNE, SNO, NHLN, SCRIPPS).
