Oilers forward Connor Brown expected to be scratched for Thursday’s game against Devils

The Oilers originally signed Brown to a one-year contract back on July 1. The Etobicoke, Ontario product played with Connor McDavid with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League a decade ago and the Oilers were banking on the two to show some chemistry upon being reunited. That hasn’t happened.

Making matters worse: Brown’s contract carries a $775,000 cap hit for this season, but it also includes a $3.225 million performance bonus that kicked in as soon as he played his 10th game with the Oilers. But since Edmonton is unlikely to have space under the salary cap to pay Brown that amount this year, that bonus charge will almost certainly be shifted ahead to 2024–25 — severely limiting the Oilers’ flexibility next season.

Brown has been an effective secondary scoring winger at points in his career, particularly during his tenures with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. The 6′ forward scored 20 goals with the Maple Leafs in 2016–17 and 21 with the Sens in 2020–21.

But after joining the Washington Capitals ahead of the 2022–23 campaign, Brown played in just four games before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. That long absence made Brown eligible to sign his bonus-laden deal with the Oilers.

Edmonton has lost three consecutive games and currently occupies 27th place in the NHL with a 13–15–1 record and 27 points in 29 games this season.