The excitement continues to build while the New Jersey Devils are preparing for their season opener on October 9. The club wants to come back better than ever after acquiring a few missing pieces during the low season to strengthen their line -up. Now the Devils have excellent goal convening, attacking star power and a reliable defensive core. As the countdown goes to Puck Drop, this series will serve as previews and predictions of what could have in store for every member of the Devils schedule for the coming season.
This episode focuses on Connor Brown, who plays a crucial role as a Bottom-Six depth scorer.
Connor Brown: at a glance
Set up: 156one General (6one Round) by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2012
Contract status: Year one of the four, $ 3 million average annual value (AAV)
24-25 Statistics: 13 goals, 17 assists (30 points in 82 games)
Career Statistics: 107 goals, 151 assists (258 points in 601 games)
2024-25 season Summary
Following one torn ACL in his right knee Brown struggled in October 2022 to bounce back. He not only missed the rest of 2022-23, but the next season he was only 12 points with the Edmonton Oilers. He, however, laid down with six points in the Playoffs of Stanley Cup 2024. This upward trend was transferred to last season, where he had a compelling 30-point performance. He played a full 82 game campaign, which recorded the first overtime goal of his career, and his personal best of four game-winning goals. In fact, his goals for percentage (GF%) increased 33.04% in the past two seasonsWhat his positive impact on IIE indicates.
Brown was an important depth scorer for the oilers, average 1.57 points per 60 minutes of playing. But he also demonstrated strong defensive tendencies, especially with positioning to suppress scoring opportunities. He was even a difference maker shortened with his exceptional two -way game. Head coach Kris Knoblauch had nothing but to say good things about his skills for killing elite penalty, and shouted his Contributions and versatility in the Line -Up “Provides unparalleled.”
His impact was also remarkable during the late season. However, it was uncertain whether he could play in the final of the Stanley Cup. He an unauthorized injury During game 3 of the Western Conference final after he was sent to the boards by Dallas Stars -defender Alexander Petrovic. Despite missing games 4 and 5, he returned for the last six play -off games of the oilers, where his experienced experience turned out to be useful.
In the end, Brown scored five goals and four assists in 20 Postseason competitions, the highest amount of his career. He continues his dominance of the punishment, he led everything Oilers’ ahead in a short ice ageAdding an occasional spark by creating scoring chances of hurry. Another remarkable aspect of his Playoff version was his speed. He had 39 more Speedbarsts more than 20 miles per hour than the average NHL ahead, and arranged in the 89th percentile in top skating speed. In general, Brown is both a reliable veteran and a valuable depth scorer, who has an impact on both ends of the ice.
2025-26 expectations
Devils -fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when Brown signed a four -year contract At the start of the free desk. Finally, the team set the only problem that they had constantly plagued them last season: a lack of depth score. General director Tom Fitzgerald does not have a secondary score at the Trade Deadline, so Brown was the perfect addition from season. Having a potential player of 30 points is a huge improvement for their Bottom-Six. Together with colleague newcomer Evgenii Dadonov, the Devils will have an attacking depth that packs a powerful blow.
During his ten NHL seasons, Brown has taken the play -offs five times and collected 20 points in 59 Postseason competitions. This experience will be invaluable if the Devils try to become serious Stanley Cup opportunities. Plus, his $ 3 million AAV is the perfect low-risk, high, cap-friendly contract.
Related: Devils 2025-26 Player Previews: Ondrej Palat
Despite the fact that Black and Red so far only attracted one pre -season match, Brown made a great first impression. He scored his first Devils goal on a Cross-Side feed by Ondrej Palat, giving the Devils a 3-1 lead in the second period against the New York Islanders. Brown’s chemistry with his new line mate was palpable and the two clicked immediately. If they can continue to generate scoring opportunities together, the Palat can help find a permanent place in the line – something that turned out to be difficult last season. During his interview after the gameHe shared that they were at the same level of understanding, cleaning up space and retaining puck ownership. “When you see the game on someone, it makes it just as much easier to have a learning curve,” said Brown. Centered by Luke Glendening, the trio brought new life into the third line, and this experienced combination could become a different source of attacking depth.
A brownie explosion! š„ pic.twitter.com/GXZZOFYITF
– New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) September 24, 2025
Another area where Brown could have an impact is on the dead of the penalty. Last season the Devils had the Killing on the second best fine In the competition, a statistics that can only improve by adding another veteran to the mix. Brown was able to force turnover with his defensive positioning, especially on the advantage. What is even more important, he can facilitate part of the workload of the top players of the team, including Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt.
Brown has already given fans a look at what he can contribute to the Line -up, and his added scoring can be a decisive factor in the devils who make a deeper play -off run. He can strengthen the third rule while he logs in a large amount of shortened ice age, making him one of the most valuable additions outside the team’s season.
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