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Toronto Maple Leafs: A Closer Look at Downtown Connor Brown

By Andrew Boehmer |
Mar 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Connor Brown (12) lines up before a face-off against the New Jersey Devils at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Connor Brown (12) lines up before a face-off against the New Jersey Devils at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs Connor Brown has quietly racked up a terrific rookie season.

If he had played his first NHL season on any other team besides the Toronto Maple Leafs, he would’ve been the center of attention. But, because of how much talent is on the Leafs roster, he was and is overshadowed.

So, it’s time we make him front and center, shining the spotlight on his performance in his debut year and taking a closer look at his talent and overall production.

After all, he’s not referred to as Downtown Connor Brown for no reason and yes, we’re calling him that if you haven’t been already.

Talent Analysis and Role

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Brown is an underrated offensive threat, capable of playing a dazzling or simplistic game with and without the puck, outsmarting his opponents on a daily basis. His large play makes up for his average sized frame. That’s one of the big reasons why he’s had such success early on in his career.

Arguably his greatest strength isn’t his offensive prowess, rather his ability to interfere with the opposition’s offensive chances. Also, I’m not downplaying his offensive game, just stating that it isn’t his most valuable asset.

Although that’s not to take away from his offensive production as there will be more on that to follow.

If a player underestimates him on the ice, he’ll get beaten by Brown’s speed and outmatched by his skill and strength.

It’s that simple.

He’s a hard worker and a grit guy who can be used in almost every situation of the game, being utilized often as a penalty kill specialist by Mike Babcock.

Long story short, he’s a natural pro.

His role on the team is to be a grinder, to get to loose pucks and dish them out. But, he’s more than just a grinder and we’ve seen that due to his overall point production.

As a checking winger, you wouldn’t expect the number of points he’s produced and that’s the exact reason why he’s so underrated.

Statistics and Cap Hit

You can’t deny the facts.

Through 82 games played this season, Brown has racked up an impressive 20 goals and 36 points overall.

He just hit the 20-goal plateau in the Leafs playoff-clinching game against the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night, making him the sixth player on the team to accomplish the feat this season.

Looking forward, the Leafs have a hidden gem here. He’s under an entry-level contract that sees him being paid an annual cap hit of $686,667 through the 2016-17 season.

After that, he’ll be looking for a new contract with the Leafs as a restricted free agent.

One has to consider him as a key piece to the team’s future and vital to their success. Not to the same extent as Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitchell Marner, but important nonetheless.

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