It used to be when teams would make the finals, and lose, it could be detrimental to their future success. However, recent history with the likes of the Tampa Bay Lightning or the Florida Panthers, perhaps even the Dallas Stars, does seem to dismiss that notion, and with this signing, the Edmonton Oilers hope so too. Today it was announced that the Edmonton Oilers are keeping around one of their vital depth forwards and awesome penalty killers, as Connor Brown re-signs with the club. The deal is a one-year deal worth $1 million.
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
Connor Brown Re-Signs a Contract Extension With the Edmonton Oilers
One of the difficulties throughout contract negotiations for the Edmonton Oilers and Connor Brown, was trying to narrow down his worth, in dollars and cents. It’s no problem what to see on the ice, when he’s performing, especially like he did in the 2023-24 post-season. He didn’t play all the Oiler playoff games. However, when he did get into the lineup he made significant contributions to the Oilers penalty kill.
You may recall, the Oilers finished the playoffs with a 94.3% penalty kill rate, and that is, at least, partly to credit Brown’s terrific play. Moreover, in the regular season the past couple seasons, he really hasn’t gotten a lot of momentum. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, he’s played 75 games, with four goals and eight assists. This is included an ACL injury that caused him to miss basically the entire 2022-23 season as a member of the Washington Capitals.
The Edmonton Oilers 2024 Stanley Cup Playoff (Not So) Secret Weapon
Ideally, the Oilers would love for him to regain his form from the season prior. In 2021-22, with the Ottawa Senators, Brown had a bigger role on the club. That year he had 10 goals and 29 assists in 64 games. Furthermore, one year prior, in 56 games, he scored 21 goals. Therefore, the upside to Brown’s game is evident. It was also apparent during the Oilers run to the 2024 Stanley Cup final. Brown was huge for the Oilers, perhaps most notably a goal and two assists while shorthanded.
What Does Connor Brown Bring to the Club
Re-signing a player like Connor Brown isn’t a sexy move. In contrast, in order to remain a Stanley Cup contender, your moves rarely are classified as such. Bringing him back as a depth forward and penalty kill option, really helps round out the Oilers roster. We know about all the high-end guys the Oilers have, but it is the grinders that win you championships. Will the Oilers improve on their 2023-24 season, and win a Stanley Cup championship? At this point, it is impossible to pontificate over such a preposition, but one thing is for sure, Brown is an asset, and not a liability in that journey.
Main photo credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
