Brett Howden

Howden's 13 points in 54 regular-season contests wasn't that big of a deal, but he endeared himself to the Vegas organization with 10 points and 63 hits in 22 playoff games en route to the Stanley Cup. The Golden Knights rewarded him with a two-year deal at a $1.9 million cap hit -- that's enough money to project him for a middle-six role in 2023-24. Howden plays a physical game and has twice reached the 20-point mark, but he's never played more than 70 games in a season. He could be moved around the Vegas lineup frequently, as this is a team that is fairly versatile up front. Howden will have to take a step forward on offense to maintain his spot in the lineup, especially since his physicality would help him fit on the fourth line.

Howden has held down a full-time role for two seasons, but the 27th overall selection from the 2016 draft hasn't done much with his opportunities at the NHL level to this point. His 15 goals and 42 points in 136 games are respectable, but Howden has posted an ugly minus-27 rating and the Rangers have been caved in possession-wise with him on the ice. Howden has nice physical tools and is lauded for his work ethic, so perhaps the light will finally turn on in his third NHL campaign, but New York has added some depth up front, which could push Howden out of the lineup altogether if he fails to show progress.

Howden got his career off to a blistering start but fizzled out as his rookie season went on. After posting four goals and 12 points in his first 20 games, he added only two goals and 11 points in 46 subsequent appearances. Howden plays a 200-foot game perfect for a bottom-six center, but the 21-year-old probably won't share the ice with the team's premier forwards too often, limiting his upside, at least in the short term.