As part of a blockbuster trade the New York Rangers had high expectations for Brett Howden.
We continue our series of New York Rangers report cards. Today we review the 2019-20 season for Brett Howden
Brett Howden: Grade D
When the New York Rangers acquired Brett Howden from the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2018 trade deadline, they had high hopes for the then 19-year-old forward. That he has failed to live up to those expectations is an understatement, but that is also not fair to the player. Ultimately, a player needs to be judged on their performance in the role they are given to play, not on the player they were hoped to develop into.
His season
Brett Howden was used primarily as a bottom six depth forward. He bounced between third and fourth line duty, while being a top four forward for the team on the penalty kill, averaging two minutes of ice time per game short handed. Of the New York Rangers bottom six players, Howden produced the second highest goals (8) and points totals (15) while at even strength. Howden played a hard working game and did not shy away from the physical side of the play, ranking first among forwards in blocked shots and fifth in hits.
He was additionally the teams third most reliable center at the dot, with a 48.2% faceoff winning percentage. Though he spent time at wing throughout the season, Howden supplanted Filip Chytil in the faceoff circle when taking defensive zone draws.
Howden’s defensive play was questionable at best. While receiving 53.6% defensive zone starts, his Corsi-for percentage (40.6%) and his relative Corsi-for percentage (-7.8%) were the lowest of any player in a Rangers jersey. Though he was even in takeaway and giveaway ratio with 25 each.
The Numbers
Games: 70
Goals: 9
Assists: 10
Points: 19
PIM’s: 28
Blocked shots: 67
Hits: 69
ATOI: 13:09
Corsi-For: 40.6%
Why the Grade?
Howden ranked 270th (tied) in the league among forwards for points scored. In a league with 31 teams, this production is on the line between third line and fourth line player. Which, is exactly how he has been deployed by Coach Quinn. Additionally, in terms of production, he has been one of the more effective bottom six forwards in direct comparison to his teammates. However, as a bottom six depth forward, Howden’s defensive play is lacking. While he makes up for some of these deficiencies by being one of the teams better faceoff men, the statistical disparities of his defensive play cannot be ignored.
Expectations
Moving in to the 2020-21 season, Howden needs to first tighten up his defense. With the loss of Jesper Fast, the team will be looking for a primary defensive forward to anchor the penalty kill and be deployed to play in critical in game situational moments. As a favorite of Coach Quinn for his hard work and ‘intentions” in both games and practice, Howden will no doubt get a chance to prove he can handle that responsibility.
An increase in his production to raise him from fringe third liner to solid contributor would go a long way in securing him the open third line right wing spot. Slotting into this roster spot would enable him to continue to take the more important draws that Chytil has not yet earned the faith to take. Coming into this upcoming season as at nearly 23 years old, Howden will need to show now that he is ready or he will find himself dropped down the team’s depth charts