Real expectations for forward Brett Howden

Where’s the love for New York Rangers forward Brett Howden

Brett Howden has become one of the more divisive players on the New York Rangers. He is highly regarded by the teams coaching staff, executive management and his teammates. Yet, the media and much of the fan base do not believe he has done enough to have earned him the ice time and trust he has been given. Why the disconnect? Reality versus expectation.

The reality is that the team views its players based on the role they play.  Howden has been primarily a bottom six depth player and penalty killer. He has spent time as both center and winger and ranks third on the team in terms of points scored from the bottom six forwards, behind Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko. In his role, the production he brings is adequate. Howden brings a heavy game and plays the right way bringing effort to every shift.

The expectations are that Howden should produce more as a first round draft pick. That he is not living up to the scoring potential he showed while in the WHL. He was also part of a big trade and his performance is directly tied to grading value of that trade. Howden has additionally been shown favor by Coach Quinn over other prospects, specifically Lias Andersson.

Let’s take a look Brett Howden the player.

In 136 games played over two seasons with the Rangers, Howden has scored 15 goals and added 27 assists for 42 points. He has won 48.3% of his faceoffs (third on team both years) and plays a relatively physical game with 133 hits and 114 blocks. He has received an average of 14:01 minutes of ice time with his penalty killing time increasing this season to an average of two minutes. He has been a bottom six role player, producing bottom six role player numbers.