Possessing a contract carrying an average annual value of $3.6 million in the midst of his second season of a four-year deal, Ottawa Senators forward Connor Brown is one of the NHL’s true bargains.
Brown’s ability to slot anywhere in the team’s lineup, play in all situations – and perform capably in all of them, is an asset the Senators urgently require, especially due to centre Josh Norris (three-four weeks) and right wing Drake Batherson (long term) each being on the shelf.
- Ep 82: NHL Trade Deadline Extravaganzaby Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2024 at 8:28 pm
Jim and Chris are back with guest Ricky Otazu break down every move on NHL […]
Returning to the club himself one week ago, after sustaining a jaw fracture January 13, which caused him to miss 10 games – his first games missed due to injuries in his six-plus seasons in the league, the right wing notched one goal and one assist in a win over the New Jersey Devils. In fact, Brown recorded one goal, one assist in the January 13th contest versus the Calgary Flames, a game in which he was hit by an errant puck shot off the crossbar.
The 28-year old has continued his roll, posting two goals, three assists during a five games in a seven-day span, primarily patrolling the right side on a line with Brady Tkachuk and Nick Paul.
Not only did Brown notch another one goal, one assist game, playing a career-high 25:41, this time in Sunday’s 4-1 victory in DC against the Capitals, his setup on Alex Formenton‘s shorthanded marker, but it was also the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2012 156th overall Entry Draft selection’s 200th NHL regular season point.
“It means a lot. It’s awesome. There are so many people to thank over the years. You know when you hit milestones like that, you reflect on people who helped you to get there. To get 200 points in the NHL, I scored eight goals four years ago, and not aware of where my career was headed. I got a fresh start here and was able to find my game. I’m grateful for that. I am grateful to be in Ottawa and be on this team. I feel like I’m trying to get better and better,” said an appreciative Brown postgame.
Around FPC
NHL: Is Evander Kane What The Edmonton Oilers Need?
NHL: Have The Philadelphia Flyers Hit Rock Bottom?
NHL: NHL Power Rankings: Colorado Avalanche Claim Top Spot
NFL: NFL Community Pays Tribute To Tom Brady Following Retirement Announcement
Wrestling: NXT Black and Gold Shine In Loss To NXT 2.0 in War Games Match
PODCAST: Full Press NHL Podcast Ep 18: Midseason Best and Worst; Coaches on the Hot Seat
Brown who plays a solid 200-foot game, may be under-appreciated on occasion for his contributions to the Senators’ offence.
Despite missing 14 games this season, which also included a bout in Covid-19 Protocol, the Toronto area resident remains on pace to eclipse his career-high 27 assists, 43 points set in the 56-game 2019-20 shortened campaign.
Brown also led the club in goals last season with 21.
On the defensive side of things, Brown remains the most utilized forward on the penalty kill, averaging 2:33 per game on the unit. And has the additional ability to provide offence while on the PK – as witnessed on Formenton’s aforementioned goal.
Brown led the league last season potting five shorthanded markers.
“I’m a guy to be relied upon, night-in, night-out,” Brown noted Sunday.
He certainly is.
Comments 1