As per Elliotte Friedman, Ottawa Senators forward Connor Brown is currently leaning towards the idea that he’ll test free agency when his current contract with the Senators expires. As such, the Sens might have to consider a trade and they’ll be plenty of interest if the team puts him out there on the market.
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Friedman noted during the second intermission of the Colorado Avalanche blowout of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday that the last time Brown had an opportunity to see what he was worth on the open market he elected not to actually test free agency and signed one year prior to becoming a free agent. Sources indicate he’s not interested in doing so again and when his current deal ends, he’d like to test the free agency waters.
Of course, Brown currently has one more season on his current contract at $3.6 million. The Senators would love to have him in their lineup, but they aren’t necessarily going to be a playoff contender this coming season. If Brown has one foot out the door already, the best scenario might be for the Senators to trade the player versus letting him walk for nothing during the 2023 offseason.
Brown isn’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, but he did score 10 goals and 39 points in 64 games this past season. What will make him so attractive is his willingness to play a forechecking style. The Hockey News wrote in March, “He’s not a physically-imposing presence, but Brown is always tough on the puck, with great instincts and no ego.”
He has scored 20 goals in a single season on a couple of occasions and his consistency to play a strong two-way game and versatility will be attractive for some teams. The key will be what he wants as a free agent and if his ask is high, that might rule some teams out. And, if he’s not prepared to commit to any team, the return organizations will offer up won’t be considerable.
What is clear is that the Senators can’t afford to let Brown leave for no return. If they can get some assets out of a trade, perhaps move up in the draft, Brown might be a nice trade piece to dangle out there this summer.
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