It started as a conversation and ended in a trade. That’s what happened on Monday when the Edmonton Oilers sent a conditional draft pick (third round if the Oilers make the playoffs, fourth round in 2014 if they don’t) to the Toronto Maple Leafs for rugged winger Mike Brown. “Dave (Nonis) and I spoke awhile ago,” explained Edmonton GM Steve Tambellini, “but it was only in the last few days that everything came together. I didn’t want to hesitate.”
Tambellini didn’t want to take a chance that someone else would scoop Brown away from a Toronto team that boasts enough physicality with the likes of Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren. It made Brown expendable. “I could see that something was going to happen,” said the 27-year-old right winger, “but I’m still sad to leave a team I spent more than two years with.” Brown’s stop with Toronto came after previously playing with Anaheim and Vancouver.
The one-time fifth round draft pick had only played in 12 games this season with the Leafs. He had one assist but accumulated 70 penalty minutes. There’s no secret to how he plays. “I’ve been brought here to keep doing what I’ve always done,” said Brown, “I need to get in, get physical add some grit and play with an edge.”
That edge has been clearly evident in the career of the 5’11”, 205-pounder from Chicago. He’s played in 254 NHL games and has accumulated 14 goals along with 11 assists. His total of 25 points pales in comparison to his 519 career penalty minutes. “He’s aware of the position of the game he is in. He is a willing partner of when to mix it up,” said Tambellini, “and he’s a passionate player. Mike plays with a lot of energy and his compete level is obvious.”
It’s something the Oilers need to add to a lineup that sits close to the bottom of the West standings and is currently 1-2-1 as part of a season high nine-game road trip.”The one thing about Mike,” explained Edmonton head coach Ralph Krueger, “is that we know what we are getting every day. A team culture kind of guy.”
Brown played with current Oiler d-man Ryan Whitney in Anaheim and skated with Edmonton’s Ben Eager during the lockout. He may not know many of the players but the former Michigan Wolverine knows more than enough about the club that acquired him.”The first thing I think of when I see this team,” said the newest Oiler, “is a young real skilled team. I’m going to add grit, toughness and energy.” Once he passes a physical by team doctors he’ll get a chance to start adding those elements in his role with the Oilers who on Tuesday night take on Columbus.