I am optimistic about the impact of Connor Brown signing with the Edmonton Oilers on a one year deal with a cap hit of $775K. Unfortunately, Brown only suited up for 4 games last season for the Washington Capitals before his season came to an abrupt end with a lower body injury against the Vancouver Canucks. In the 2020-2021 season in Ottawa, he showcased his offensive upside and consistency by shooting at 17.1%. This output also led to his breaking the Senators’ franchise record by scoring a goal in 8 consecutive games. In both the 20-21 and 21-22 seasons Brown posted a GAR of 5.3 as reported by Evolving Hockey. During the 21-22 season in Ottawa, Brown was their most prolific penalty killer, posting a Corsi-For-Relative of +10.9%, indicating almost half as many High Danger Scoring Chances occurred during his deployment than other Ottawa players. This will bolster the penalty kill in Edmonton and relieve some shorthanded ice time off of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who had the 2nd most shorthanded Time on Ice with 1:52 per game, only behind Mathias Janmark (1:57).
Connor Brown brings scoring depth to an Edmonton Oilers team that is known for their goal scoring. Including 3 players with 100+ points and an NHL record breaking 32.4 Power Play conversion rate set this past season. During Brown’s career, especially between Toronto and Ottawa, Brown displayed both his versatility and flexibility to create value in both zones, regardless of his linemates’ abilities in both ends of the ice. In Brown, assuming his health during the 23-34 campaign, the Oilers have a player that closes their gaps regarding their forward depth, and their overall team defensive ability. Most importantly, he will have a major role on Edmonton’s PK, which ranked 20th in the NHL last season at 77%. For the value, he is an absolute steal heading into this season.
Citations:
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/this-is-why-the-oilers-targeted-connor-brown
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