The Vegas Golden Knights are making some roster moves as they try to maintain their lead in the Pacific Division. On Tuesday, the team placed forward Brett Howden on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury that’s already kept him out of the last five games. In response, they’ve called up Jonas Rondbjerg from the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights.
Howden, 27, has been a steady presence in the Vegas lineup this season, with nine goals and six assists through 39 games. While those numbers aren’t eye-popping, he’s a reliable two-way forward who can be trusted in multiple situations.
Last season marked a career high for the Calgary native, when he posted 23 goals and 17 assists over a full 80-game slate. That breakout year earned him a five-year, $12.5 million extension, and the Golden Knights clearly see him as a key piece moving forward.
Originally drafted 27th overall by the New York Rangers in 2016, Howden spent three seasons in the Big Apple before being traded to Vegas ahead of the 2021-22 season. Since joining the Golden Knights, he’s carved out a role as a dependable middle-six forward. His absence, however temporary, leaves a noticeable gap in Vegas’ forward depth.
Enter Jonas Rondbjerg.
The 26-year-old Danish winger has been something of a tweener during his time with the organization-too good to stay in the AHL for long, but still searching for a consistent NHL role. Drafted in the third round back in 2017, Rondbjerg has been productive in the minors this season, posting 12 goals and 11 assists in 35 games for Henderson. He hasn’t suited up for Vegas yet this year, but he’ll now get another shot to prove he belongs at the top level.
Rondbjerg’s NHL numbers don’t jump off the page-just three goals and seven assists in 76 games spread across four seasons. Last year, he went pointless in 13 games with the big club.
But his game has matured, and with Howden out, this is a real opportunity to show what he can bring to a contending team. He’s also expected to represent Denmark at the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which could give him even more high-level experience.
For Vegas, the timing of this move comes as they prepare to hit the road for a four-game swing. First up: a Thursday night clash with the Boston Bruins, followed by a quick turnaround in Toronto against the Maple Leafs on Friday. With 60 points through 48 games, the Golden Knights are clinging to a narrow lead in the Pacific, just two points ahead of the surging Edmonton Oilers.
Depth matters more than ever this time of year, and Vegas knows it. Howden’s injury is a setback, but it opens the door for Rondbjerg to step in and make his case. For a team with championship aspirations, every roster decision counts-and this one could shape how the Golden Knights navigate the second half of the season.