Early 2022 predictions for Connor Brown

Connor Brown was acquired by the Washington Capitals from the Ottawa Senators for the Caps second round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Brown has a right handed shot and the Caps needed to bring him on as a reliable top six right winger with Tom Wilson absent. A lot of people think he will be on the first line. I think he’ll rotate between the second and first while finding a home on the second line.

Wilson will be out until at least November as he recovers from a torn ACL. Brown is the Caps solution to that problem. He has one year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.6 million. He can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023.

In his first meeting with the media, Brown said he had a feeling he would be traded but didn’t know the Caps would be an option.

Brown said this:

“It was a shock at first, but once it settled in I’m just so excited. I think my game will fit in well here.”

Brown is 28 years old and had 10 goals and 29 assists in 64 games last season. He’s also effective on the penalty kill.

Brown added:

“I’m looking at this year like an opportunity to win. I’m looking to get back in the playoffs. I want to play some meaningful hockey. More than anything, I’m trying not to focus too internally about what my future holds and just try to do whatever I can to help the team win.”

I could see Brown recording 15 goals and 35 assists this upcoming season. That would be pretty good as he plays on a much more talented team than he did with the Ottawa Senators.

Brown will be key on the top six. He’s no Tom Wilson but he’s got the same handed shot so that’s something.