It was after his time with the Checkers that Howson split two seasons between the New York Islanders, and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Indians.

On June 15, 2007, Howson was named general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he guided the franchise to its first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in 2009.

[4] When Peter Chiarelli was hired as the Oilers' general manager in 2015, Howson's role was changed to vice president of player personnel.

Howson guided the AHL through the COVID-19 pandemic, which included a shortened 2020-21 season that was modified due to health and safety protocols.

He later oversaw the addition of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the league's 32nd franchise; expanded the Calder Cup Playoff field to 23 teams; and implemented a unified 72-game schedule in the regular season.

Howson has also actively advocated for diversity and inclusion, most notably with the addition in 2021 of 10 women to the AHL’s roster of referees and linespeople for the first time.