This time a year ago, Connor Brown was entering 2024 wondering what his hockey future looked like, following a terrible 2023. After recovering from an ACL injury, he had signed a one-year deal with the Oilers and only produced one points in 16 games.
Not that anyone was going to feel sorry for someone who had received a $3.225 million bonus, after reaching 10 games in Edmonton. Still, 2024 was set to be a pivotal year in Brown's hockey career, with plenty to prove.
Well, as we wrote last Thursday, the 30-year-old did subsequently embark on a journey which saw him recover his reputation. And what started as a minimal improvement in 2024, saw him gradually build momentum and ultimately end the year with an explosion of productivity.
As a result, a player who only had 12 regular season points in 71 games last seasons, has already surpassed this total in 2024-25 in effectively half of the games. Brown has 18 points in 37 games, including 10 in his past nine appearances.
Star of the night
The latest example of the winger's excellent play came on Tuesday night, in a New Year's home clash with Utah. He had two assists, a +2 rating and overall had arguably his best outing of the campaign, as he took home the First Star of the Game.
What made Brown's performance even more impressive, was that it came after being promoted to the first line to play with Connor McDavid. Yes, we appreciate that being on the same line as the game's best player doesn't hurt, but he still had to step up to the challenge, which he did.
Brown is known as one of the most popular people in the Oilers locker room, with his teammates continually looking to encourage him. It helps that he always puts in the work, which he did once again against Utah.
The 2012 sixth round draft pick certainly feels the support of his team, coaches and fans. Speaking to the media postgame, including Jamie Umback of NHL.com, he said:
"I love playing in this city. I love playing in front of these fans on this team. As a group, we're trying to take steps forward."
Brown spoke about how he now believes he's back to where he was at previously, before suffering his ACL injury. Again as per Umbach, he said:
"I feel back to where I was pre-injury. I feel I was playing pretty limited minutes at those times, but since the Trade Deadline last year, I feel that I've taken a few steps forward offensively, but I'm feeling good."
The Oilers' 4-1 win against Utah was just what was needed, following a disastrous weekend trip to California, where they only snagged one of a possible four points. There were plenty of other standout performers on Tuesday night, including Mattias Ekholm, Stuart Skinner and McDavid.
Knoblauch wanted to reward Brown
However, Brown was the number one player -- and headline -- on the night and deservedly so, as Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch explained why the forward was placed on the first line against Utah. As per Mark Spector of Sportsnet, he said:
"You pretty much know who your best players are, and they're going to get most of the ice time. But you also want to reward players who have been playing well, and one of them has been Connor Brown."
The way Brown has bounced back from his struggles is a testament to his mental fortitude, and he should continue to be an asset to the Oilers in 2025. Asked what he learned about himself during his challenging period, again as per Spector, he said:
"That I am pretty resilient. I overcame a lot, and I’m pretty thankful for this fanbase sticking with me through some low times. I’m excited for 2025 and to see what it brings."
This excitement applies to the Oilers as a whole, as they enter 2025 sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference, and well-placed to make a push up the standings in the coming months. Next up they will have revenge on the mind, as they host a Ducks team on Friday night, which beat them 5-3 last Sunday in Anaheim.