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Brett Howden

Brett Howden is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brett Howden is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023. He has also represented Canada in international junior competition.

Early life and junior hockey

Howden was born in Calgary, Alberta, and developed through Canadian junior hockey. He captained Moose Jaw in the Western Hockey League and represented Canada in under-18 and world junior events.

NHL career

Howden was selected 27th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He later joined the Vegas Golden Knights, where he became a regular forward and contributed to the team's 2023 Stanley Cup run.

Contract and role with Vegas

In November 2024, Howden signed a five-year contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights worth US$12.5 million. NHL reporting described him as valued for his energy and work ethic during the Golden Knights' championship run.

International play

Howden has played for Canada at junior level, including the 2015 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, winning gold at both tournaments.

Key facts

  • Howden is a centre for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL.
  • He was drafted 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016.
  • He won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023.
  • He signed a five-year, US$12.5 million contract extension with the Golden Knights in November 2024.
  • He captained Moose Jaw in the WHL and won gold with Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World Juniors.
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Canadian context

Howden is a Canadian player from Alberta who has represented Canada in junior international tournaments, including gold-medal teams at the 2015 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.[1]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brett Howden?
Brett Howden is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who plays for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL.
When was Brett Howden drafted?
He was drafted 27th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Has Brett Howden won a Stanley Cup?
Yes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
What position does Brett Howden play?
He plays centre.
What is Brett Howden’s nationality?
He is Canadian.

References

  1. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/player/brett-howden-8479353
    Supports: Current team, recent contract extension, playoff and regular-season production, and junior international honours.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Howden
    Supports: Birth date/place, draft position, current NHL team, and Stanley Cup win.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/4024989/brett-howden
    Supports: Position, birthdate, birthplace, physical measurements, draft information, and active status.