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Toronto Maple Leafs: Don’t trade Connor Brown

By Omar L

Nov 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Connor Brown (12) moments before the start of their game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Connor Brown (12) moments before the start of their game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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As much as the Toronto Maple Leafs are in immediate need of improving their defence, trading Connor Brown shouldn’t be the answer.

The goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs after their season ended was pretty unanimous. Fans, analyst and management highlighted improving the defence as the goal for the offseason.

That’s a no-brainer. The amount of games lost because of defensive issues this season is proof enough.

The general formula for making a trade in the NHL is to take from an area of excess to address a need. Looking at the Leafs’ organizational personnel, their forward crop is jammed packed.

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Most have James van Riemsdyk going the other way in any deal for a blue-liner. He’s had success with the Leafs over the past five seasons, including a career high this year.

There hasn’t been a clear view as to where management sees JVR. With next season leading him to free agency, he could be an option in a trade.

Unfortunately, there has been another name found among many trade theories: Connor Brown. The rationale behind the idea makes sense.

Young forward who scores 20 goals in his first season, yes trading him sounds like a smart move. Or he’s another idea, let’s not.

Reasoning

Not going to take anything away from Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander. Brown was the Leafs’ fourth best rookie this year.

When looking at the core of the team, he is most likely really close or one of the complementary players. However, its players like Brown that a team wins with.

The 2012 sixth round pick has skill, speed, grit and most importantly (at least if you ask Mike Babcock) is an elite competitor. Brown excelled wherever Babcock put him in the lineup.

This is a breakdown of his production this season:

  • Matthews Line: 6 Goals 6 Assists*
  • Kadri Line: 7 Goals 5 Assists
  • Bozak Line: 3 Goals
  • Fourth Line (w/Holland): 1 Goal
  • Power Play: 2 Goals 4 Assists
  • Shorthanded: 1 Goal 1 Assist*

(*One of his assists with Matthews came in 3-on-3 OT. The single shorthanded assist was actually even strength, but the penalty just ended and Brown fed Jake Gardiner, who had just left the penalty box)

A noteworthy compliment that most give some players, is they can play throughout the lineup. Brown started the season on the fourth line with Peter Holland and Matt Martin, but played his way out of it while gaining the trust of Babcock. At times he was tasked with generating offence with Matthews and at other times was asked to shut down top lines with Nazem Kadri.

Additionally, he was used on the penalty kill and power play, which were 10th and second in the league respectively.

Team’s top lines get shutdown in the playoffs. That’s why it’s the players you rarely hear of or think about, who become the heroes.

Brown is and will be that player that will score a series winner. We’ve seen him come up big for the Leafs when they need it. Remember this?

Yes, the Leafs have other wingers coming up who can play in the top nine. Kasperi Kapanen was another young rookie who had a breakout performance for Toronto.

Keep in mind that a Josh Leivo or Nikita Soshnikov could be used in deals as well. Sure the return may not be the same, but you never know what can happen with the upcoming Expansion Draft.

There is no guarantee  the other wingers in the organization can bring the same level of play that Brown does. Not just offensively, but defensively as well. Brown should stay with the team and be part of that future.

Next: Options at every position to consider in the first round

All these points may have proved why Brown should be used to acquire a defenceman. What it should do is highlight how important he is to the Leafs. This isn’t about keeping the fan favourite, it’s about keeping a player that can be a major contributor. Be it a timely goal or a lengthy penalty kill. “Trade Connor Brown because he can bring in value”. How about: “Keep Connor Brown because he is valuable”?

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