Connor Brown free agency: How the Edmonton Oilers could lose a valuable asset?

After a season that could resurrect his NHL career, Connor finds himself at a career crossroads. While Edmonton did help him regain value in the eyes of other teams, factors besides on-ice performance might dictate his next move. The Oilers are facing big-money commitments for their star players, so Brown's future in Edmonton looks nothing but bright. With a high-powered motor and a two-way player, Brown might very well fit in as a strategic pick for the Los Angeles Kings.

Connor Brown’s versatility can render him a valuable asset for the Los Angeles Kings

Last year did not just mark Connor Brown’s comeback to the NHL stage, it was also a purposeful return. A bounce-back period following the injury-affected stint helped Brown showcase the much-valued speed, forechecking, and penalty-killing instincts that have always defined his game. Although his stats were not startling on paper, his steadiness and determination caught the eye of many in Edmonton. Yet it seems the Oilers are already looking into the respective futures of their pillar franchise players: Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard.




At least two players, established cornerstones, will need their own truly large piece of the salary-cap pie in the near future; that reality leaves too little room for mid-level contributors such as Brown, no matter how much he may have meant as a depth player. General Manager Ken Holland gave himself a tough decision, bringing him in originally. Releasing the sturdy and versatile forward may sting short-term, but stars come first.




Another option is good for the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings can benefit from adding a player like Brown, who could provide cheap upgrades to the roster without compromising his experience or work ethic. He kills penalties, plays both wings well, and can be fit into various line combinations, which is precisely what the Kings are looking for. In a Pacific division as cutthroat as this one, bringing in a player familiar with the lay of the land—and able to play quietly and effectively, without demanding an elite salary—could turn out a few extra wins and be the most rewarding least-risk case of late.


Also, Brown's work ethic and leadership style would help any locker room. He is more than a bottom-six guy: He is the kind of guy who sets the tone by doing the hard things that set others on the right path. For a team eyeing playoff regularity, those intangibles are invaluable.


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Connor Brown might no longer fit into Edmonton's future salary puzzle, but his value on the ice is undeniable. With the Oilers suddenly turning attention to big-money re-signings, the Kings or a similar team might have hit the jackpot with Brown, who, in a good system, has lots to offer.