Tim Chiasson
Connor Brown has been a producing player everywhere he’s been in his career, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are no different for the 23 year old.
He’s on pace for ~40 points as a rookie in the NHL. That’s a solid total, and his play with Auston Matthews has given the Leafs a competent, budget winger capable of being around for a long time.
Teams dream of this and for the Leafs it’s a reality.
Due to his point totals not being extravagant, the Leafs should have a chance to get him locked up long-term somewhere around $3M-$4M. That’s a heck of a deal for a proven linemate for their franchise center, and a player who is capable of being a 50 point guy.
I think term-wise, the Leafs should go with five years and reassess where they are as an organization – and where Brown is as a player – when the five years is up.
I’d hand Brown a five year, $17M, contract and enjoy a $3.4M cap hit for a solid player who likely exceeds his contract value.