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New York Rangers Stock Market: Winless no More

By Victoria Ranieri

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 11: The New York Rangers Pavel Buchnevich (89) and Jesper Fast (17) are excited to celebrate the goal scored by Brendan Smith (42) during a game between the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks on October 11, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by John McCreary/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 11: The New York Rangers Pavel Buchnevich (89) and Jesper Fast (17) are excited to celebrate the goal scored by Brendan Smith (42) during a game between the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks on October 11, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by John McCreary/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 19: Brett Howden #48 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on September 19, 2018 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 6-4. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 19: Brett Howden #48 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on September 19, 2018 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 6-4. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Up: Brett Howden

Of all the players on this week’s stock market, Brett Howden is the most deserving of an “up” rating.

When Howden was acquired in the trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning, there were not many expectations. Sure he was an incredible goal scorer in the WHL, but could that translate to the NHL? Who would have guessed that not even a year later, Howden would be playing as well as he was on the Rangers main roster?

The 20-year-old center has a pair of goals and assists in his first seven games with the team, with one goal coming this week against the San Jose Sharks. He has shown that he is not only a reliable center but that his offensive skills are translating to the NHL. In fact, the coaching staff has enough faith in him that he’s played time on both special teams units.

Howden is a bit of a mixed bag. At 6’3” and 195 lbs, he’s able to play a physical, gritty game that results in won puck battles. However, his offensive gifts make him more than just a big-bodied fourth line center.

Now, Howden isn’t exactly going to be the next Sidney Crosby, that’s just not his ceiling. However, if he’s able to continue his development, he should become a fantastic addition to the Rangers’ future as a middle six player. Winning teams need to be able to roll with four lines in the playoffs, Howden is the type of player that can provide depth scoring on a good group.

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