In the rarefied air of NHL hockey, it is not uncommon for players joining new teams to be linked to some of their new teammates. Not only is such the case for the newest Edmonton Oiler Connor Brown, but it was his familiarity with Oilers Captain Connor McDavid that played an instrumental part in Brown’s joining on a team-friendly deal as an unrestricted free agent this summer. It was, after all, McDavid who spoke several times with Oilers GM Ken Holland in favour of bringing Brown to Edmonton.
Brown will also join other former teammates in the Oilers organization, including Zach Hyman and Greg McKegg, but his connection to McDavid is significant in a number of ways. In exploring some of their shared history, we learn more about Brown and how he might fit into the Oilers lineup.
Beyond junior teammates
The most discussed convergence point between McDavid and Brown comes from the two seasons (2012–13 and 2013–14) that they both played on the OHL’s Erie Otters. To leave out any further context is to sell the story short, as there are several important details that outline the relationship between the two.
Both seasons they shared, Brown was both the Otters captain and leading scorer. That is particularly significant because McDavid has led any team he played on as captain all but once, and in points all but twice, since then. In both seasons that McDavid has not led his team in points—his 2015–16 and 2019–20 seasons—this was mostly due to his seasons being shortened by injury. It is absurdly rare for McDavid not to lead his team in points or serve as captain at any point of at any level, so the fact that Brown has accounted for most of those times is significant in McDavid’s eyes, at the very least.
Of course, this isn’t to slight McDavid, who naturally exceeded all expectations in his age 15 and 16 seasons, but especially as a young person, it’s easy to imagine that Brown would have made quite an impression given McDavid’s age. This is relevant because Brown is a fantastic role model as an athlete. Brown was named captain of the Otters, and unanimously beloved by teammates and fans, thanks to a commitment to his craft and an undeniable commitment to competing.
Brown might have plateaued as a middle-six NHL forward, limited by a lack of elite athletic traits, but such is a testament to his skills, smarts, and dedication to his craft. As such, Brown excelled as a scorer at lower levels. Looking back it is an impressive run of production that elevated Brown into the NHL.
Though Brown recognized that McDavid was mature far beyond his years as a teenager, it is reasonable to assume that McDavid would see Brown in a different light than he would other former teammates.
McDavid and Brown were usually not on the same line for the Otters, but did see a lot of time together on the top power play unit. Any hopes for chemistry as linemates might be overstated, but as teammates their chemistry is significant.
Sharing an agent
Beyond sharing some time in the OHL, Brown and McDavid also share the same agent, Jeff Jackson. This would’ve been a factor in some of the behind the scenes negotiating that brought Brown’s signing to reality. Brown and McDavid have clearly been in touch over the seasons since their shared OHL time, meaning that McDavid’s recommendation to pursue Brown would have been informed by Brown’s current status.
Though Brown suffered a significant injury that limited his 2022–23 season and stint with the Washington Capitals to just four games, there should not be significant concern in his eventual return to full force. In any case, McDavid could certainly vouch for Brown’s work ethic in a full recovery.
Brown, for his part, talked of this signing in Edmonton as the start of “the second half of his career,” demonstrating his determination to go beyond recovery and to continue improving in order to extend his career to his mid 30s. This will be a tall task for Brown, but he won’t fall short of such because of a lack of effort or focus.
Impact on the roster
Brown will join a very experienced and focused group on the Oilers. The Oilers have a number of internally motivated players, and the mood around the team is one that is dedicated to a united purpose. Brown will not need to stand out or set the standard, but will rather be another key contributor to the Oilers winning attitude.
Some areas where Brown will contribute to the Oilers included, first and foremost, a strong reputation as a penalty killer. The Oilers struggled in this area, even in the playoffs where their supreme command on the power play was almost completely undone by a middling penalty killing efficiency.
Brown can predictably be counted upon for some tertiary scoring, adding similar point production as one might have expected from Kailer Yamamoto, or roughly 15-20 goals and 35-45 points. Brown might well see some time on McDavid’s wing, but might fit nicely elsewhere in the lineup. Brown could fit comfortably into any wing spot on the middle-six, either as a worker bee on a scoring line, or a strong piece on a checking line.
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