Howden signs 5-year extension with Vegas Golden Knights

Brett Howden has taken advantage of a hot start to the season to ink a five-year contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights, worth $2.5 million per year. The contract runs until the end of the 2030 season.

In a video posted on the Golden Knights’ social media, Howden shared the two sides had been going back and forth on an extension for to start the season, and was happy to get the deal done, signing immediately after a game against Ottawa Nov. 21.

Howden notched the team’s second goal in a 3-2 Vegas victory. The Oakbank product entered the zone behind Ivan Barbashev on a three-on-three rush and was unaccounted for by Senators’ defenders, one-timing a drop pass that just squeaked through Linus Ullmark and trickled over the goal line.

“It was pretty crazy, I didn’t really realize it was going to happen right after the game,” Howden said on the contract, noting general manager Kelly McCrimmon was waiting for him immediately following the game.

“Last night was a bit of a whirlwind. I was super excited to tell my family. (I’m) just pretty relieved to have it done.”

Howden entered this season in the final year of his previous contract. He said being busy with his young family at home meant there has been stress on the ice than in previous contract years.

“I think having the support from my wife day in and day out and really thinking about what’s important when we go home and taking care of our family, just getting away from the rink in that sense has been good for me,” Howden said.

“It’s been a good start for the season, and I’m happy to get this done.”

The 26-year-old from Oakbank had eight goals through the start of this season when he signed and leads the Golden Knights in even strength goals. He should easily be able to surpass his career high for goals (nine) this year.

Howden said Las Vegas now “feels like home,” for his family.

“Vegas really means a lot to us and we just feel so comfortable there,” he said.

“We love the city, we love the team, the organization… I believe in what they’re doing here from a hockey standpoint.”

Howden was selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft by Tampa Bay. He was traded to the New York Rangers before he played a game for Tampa, logging three seasons with the Rangers before moving to Vegas in the summer of 2021.

“I think (my family) was shocked to year the five years,” Howden said, noting he had never been in position to sign a long-term extension before this one.

“Everyone was super excited. They’re the ones to thank, they’re the ones who supported me through everything.”

He was a member of the 2023 Golden Knights which won the Stanley Cup, bringing the trophy back to his hometown of Oakbank that summer.