JUST IN: Edmonton Oilers Re-Sign One Of Their Best Depth Forwards
In recent years, the notion that losing in the finals could be detrimental to a team’s future success has been challenged by teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars. The Edmonton Oilers seem to share this perspective with their latest signing announcement. Today, they confirmed that Connor Brown, a crucial depth forward and excellent penalty killer, will remain with the club. Brown has signed a one-year deal worth $1 million, reinforcing Edmonton’s depth and special teams prowess.
Connor Brown Re-Signs a Contract Extension With the Edmonton Oilers
Contract negotiations between the Edmonton Oilers and Connor Brown posed challenges in assessing his value in monetary terms. On the ice, Brown’s contributions were evident, especially during the 2023-24 postseason despite not playing in all Oilers playoff games. His presence significantly bolstered Edmonton’s penalty kill, which ended with an impressive 94.3% success rate, partly credited to Brown’s stellar play.
In the regular season over the past couple of years, Brown has faced hurdles gaining momentum. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, he has played 75 games, tallying four goals and eight assists. This period included recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 season while he was with the Washington Capitals.
The #LetsGoOilers are re-signing UFA Connor Brown for 1 year $1M.
12P in 71GP.
Rep’d by Dave Gagner @wassermanhockey https://t.co/DR9v9yS7DO
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 1, 2024
The Oilers are hopeful that Brown can regain his form from earlier seasons, particularly his impactful role with the Ottawa Senators in 2021-22, where he recorded 10 goals and 29 assists in 64 games. His previous season’s performance with 21 goals in 56 games further underscores his potential upside. Brown’s ability to shine was evident during Edmonton’s run to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where he notably contributed with a goal and two assists while shorthanded, highlighting his value to the team.
What Does Connor Brown Bring to the Club
Re-signing a player like Connor Brown may not be considered flashy, but it’s the type of move that helps a team maintain Stanley Cup contention. His return as a depth forward and penalty kill specialist significantly enhances the Edmonton Oilers’ roster. While the focus often falls on high-profile stars, it’s the contributions from players like Brown that often make the difference in championship runs.
As for whether the Oilers can improve on their 2023-24 season and ultimately win the Stanley Cup, it’s speculative at this point. However, Brown’s presence is undoubtedly an asset rather than a liability in their pursuit of that goal. His reliability and ability to perform in critical roles, such as penalty killing, bolster Edmonton’s chances of achieving postseason success.