New York Rangers Bringing Back Depth Forward

The New York Rangers took care of some business on Friday as the team announced a new contract for center Brett Howden.

I’m told Brett Howden signed a one-way contract worth $885K with the #NYR
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) July 9, 2021

The 23-year-old will now likely be left unprotected by the Rangers as the Seattle Kraken protected list needs to be submitted by July 17. Last season, which was Howden's third with the Rangers, he tallied one goal and six assists in 42 games. Obviously the team would like to see him get back to his production from his first season in the Big Apple when he recorded 23 points in 66 games. Unfortunately his numbers have declined ever since.

The Rangers can now protect Colin Blackwell from the Kraken which was the alternative motive with this contract. Blueshirt Banter's Tom Urtz Jr had this to say about Howden's experience with the Rangers so far:

He’s been very bad for the Rangers, and should be in the AHL. It is baffling that he never spent time there, because I believe had he done so that Howden would have developed into a somewhat serviceable player. He was trusted to be a defensive forward under head coach David Quinn, and he struggled mightily in that role.

Let's hope for everyone involved, Howden can find his game, either with the Rangers or if the Kraken end up selecting him for their inaugural season.