Edmonton Oilers: Connor Brown Could Be the Missing Piece for a Stanley Cup Run
The Edmonton Oilers are facing a crucial offseason after reaching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. With limited cap space and some lingering issues, the team needs to make smart moves to address their weaknesses and improve their chances of winning it all.
One of the key areas that the Oilers need to focus on is their penalty-killing unit, which delivered impressive results during the playoffs. They also need to find a capable No. 2 right winger who can play alongside one of their top centers, provide offense, and contribute to outscoring opponents.
Finding the right player for this role is crucial, as another slow start is not an option for the upcoming season. However, the Oilers currently don’t have a general manager in place, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team.
Despite these challenges, there is a potential solution that can greatly benefit the Oilers: signing Connor Brown. Brown, who had a highly productive season with the team, could be the missing piece they need to take that final step towards winning the Stanley Cup.
While some may overlook Brown’s contributions due to his slow start last season, his performance in the latter part of the regular season and playoffs showcased his true value. His scoring numbers improved significantly, and he became a key player on the penalty kill, contributing to the team’s success.
During the regular season, Brown didn’t see much ice time with top players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, after the trade deadline, he found chemistry with new arrival Sam Carrick, resulting in increased production. In the playoffs, Brown continued to excel when paired with Carrick and had success on the penalty kill alongside winger Mattias Janmark.
Looking at Brown’s past performances with other teams, it becomes clear that he can deliver offense when playing with skilled linemates. During his time with the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brown had success playing alongside players like Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, and Zach Hyman.
Signing Brown wouldn’t prevent the Oilers from pursuing other free agents. In fact, bringing in another top winger like Viktor Arvidsson could add even more depth to the team’s forward lines. A right wing depth chart consisting of Hyman, Arvidsson, and Brown could give the Oilers their strongest forward depth since their 2006 Stanley Cup run.
While fans have been calling for Brown to take a discount due to his previous bonus-laden deal, it’s unlikely that he will agree to such terms. However, the Oilers could still secure an affordable cap number by signing Brown to a multiyear deal.
Ultimately, signing Brown would provide the Oilers with a versatile player who can contribute in a two-way role on any line. A healthy season from Brown could give the team a much-needed boost from the beginning, potentially preventing another slow start.
Moreover, Brown’s success on the penalty kill alongside Janmark during the playoffs makes him a valuable asset in that area. Re-signing both players would act as an insurance policy against another slow start, as they proved to be crucial to the team’s short-handed success.
In conclusion, Connor Brown has the potential to be the missing piece for the Edmonton Oilers in their quest for a Stanley Cup. His offensive contributions, versatility, and penalty-killing prowess make him a valuable asset that can greatly improve the team’s chances of success. By signing Brown and potentially adding another top winger, the Oilers could have their strongest forward depth in years, setting them up for a legitimate shot at winning it all.