3 Oilers with the most to prove in six-game homestand
By Edward Eng
Connor Brown
It has certainly been quite a tumultuous past couple of seasons for the once-promising Connor Brown. After carving out a strong top-six role in his three-season tenure with the Ottawa Senators, Brown was all prepared to take his game to the next level when he was acquired by the Capitals during the 2022 offseason in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick.
With the opportunity to potentially play with superstar Alexander Ovechkin and company, Brown’s grinding game could flourish under such an environment. However, with the worst luck possible, he ended up suffering a season-ending ACL injury in just his fourth game with his new team.
The Capitals did not re-sign Brown following the season, making him a free agent. Consequently, the Oilers jumped in and offered him a one-year contract, incentive-laden contract worth $775,000, with a $3.25 million bonus activated if he were to appear in 10 or more games this season.
By bringing Brown to the Oilers, it reunited him with former Erie Otters teammate McDavid. The team hoped they could recapture the magic they produced when they were linemates back in juniors, and make them an unstoppable force for the 2023-24 NHL season.
Unfortunately, despite getting regular time in a top-six role with the Oilers, Brown has failed to live up to expectations so far with the team. In 16 games he has only one assist to show for, and is on pace for the worst points total of his entire career.
With both McDavid and Leon Draisaitl starting to dominate once again in recent games, Brown will need to take full advantage of this homestand and prove himself a reliable linemate for either player, to convince the team to keep his spot on the roster. Patience has been starting to grow thin, and he could be headed towards the end of the runway if he doesn’t turn his season around soon.