Golden Knights sign Braeden Bowman to six-year extension

With a strong showing in camp combined with the opportunity presented by some early injuries, Bowman grabbed an NHL role and stuck for large portions of the regular season. In 54 appearances, the Kitchener, Ontario native found the back of the net 8 times and dished out 18 assists for a total of 26 points.

Bowman was not featured in Vegas’ lineup throughout the vast majority of its run to the Stanley Cup Final, as he did not appear in any of the first three rounds but did draw in for the Golden Knights’ decisive Game 6 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, when he skated 9:12 in his postseason debut.

The 23-year-old Bowman originally joined Vegas’ organization as an undrafted free agent after a decorated career with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League. Bowman served as the Storm’s captain in a 2023-24 season that saw him record 71 points in 68 games.

After signing his entry-level contract, Bowman made his professional debut with Vegas’ AHL affiliate Henderson Silver Knights in 2024-25, tallying 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points across 68 games. The winger also spent some time in Henderson this past season, notching 26 points in 20 games while not up with the big club.

Given his age and production in his first taste of the NHL, Bowman’s contract has a chance to turn into a real steal for the Golden Knights, especially factoring in the explosive growth the league has seen in player salaries as the salary cap ceiling has gone up considerably for the past two years.