Connor Brown Bio
Connor Brown is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a right winger for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Brown was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round, 156th overall, of the 2012 NHL entry draft. He played for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) from 2011 until 2014, then for the American Hockey League (AHL)’s Toronto Marlies before joining the Maple Leafs full-time in the 2016–17 season. He played for two more years with Toronto before he was traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2019. Brown spent three seasons with the Senators where he was an alternate captain. He was traded to the Washington Capitals heading into the 2022–23 season, but only played four games before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He then signed with the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Connor Brown was born on January 14, 1994, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. He grew up playing youth ice hockey in the Toronto area, starting with the West Mall Lightning mite select team in the North York Hockey League, where his father served as the head coach. The Lightning team later evolved into the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s (GTHL) Toronto Marlboros team for players born in 1994. This core group won ten consecutive city championships and included several players who would later be selected by NHL teams in the 2012 NHL entry draft, including Brown himself.
Brown was selected in the 13th round, 251st overall, by the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters in the 2010 OHL Priority Draft. He spent the 2010–11 season playing Junior “A” level for the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), where he recorded 17 goals and 22 assists in 49 games. Brown joined the Otters for the 2011–12 season, leading the team in points and being named to the OHL’s All-Rookie Team, despite the team finishing last in the league. He returned for the 2012–13 season as the captain, again leading the team in scoring.
Path to Hockey
In the 2013–14 season, Connor Brown played alongside future NHL star Connor McDavid, recording 45 goals and 83 assists for 128 points in 68 games. He capped off the season with eight goals and ten assists in 14 playoff games, earning several awards including the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s top scoring right winger, the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the top scoring player, and the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s outstanding player. At the time of his departure, he held the Otters franchise record for most points in a single season.
Brown entered the 2012 NHL entry draft and was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round, 156th overall. His offensive talent led the Maple Leafs to select him, although concerns about his size and past performance raised questions about the pick. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs in November 2013. In his first year with the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, he was voted into the AHL’s All-Star Game and won the AHL rookie scoring title.
Connor Brown Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Connor Brown made his NHL debut on March 17, 2016, against the Florida Panthers and scored his first NHL goal on March 24, 2016, against the Anaheim Ducks. He played a total of seven games with the Maple Leafs that season, scoring one goal and adding six assists. The following season, he secured a full-time position with the Maple Leafs, collecting 20 goals and 36 points.
In the 2017–18 season, Brown played in all 82 games, scoring 14 goals and 28 points. He scored his first NHL playoff goal during the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. In the 2018–19 season, he recorded eight goals and 29 points in 82 games.
Breakthrough (2019–2022)
On July 1, 2019, Connor Brown was traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he saw an expanded role. He made his debut for the Senators on opening day of the 2019–20 season, assisting on a goal by Brady Tkachuk. Brown finished that season second on the team in scoring, with 16 goals and 43 points in 71 games. He re-signed with the Senators for three years at an average annual value of $3.6 million.
During the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season, Brown set a franchise record for consecutive games with a goal, scoring in seven straight games. He finished the season with 21 goals and 35 points in 56 games. In the 2021–22 season, he recorded 10 goals and 39 points in 64 games before being traded to the Washington Capitals.
Notable Works and Milestones
Connor Brown’s signature work includes his time with the Erie Otters, where he set franchise records, and his role as an alternate captain with the Ottawa Senators. He has received multiple awards throughout his career, including the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy and the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy.
Connor Brown Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Connor Brown has received several nominations for his performance in the NHL and AHL, particularly during his time with the Toronto Marlies and Ottawa Senators.
Connor Brown Awards Won
Connor Brown has won multiple awards, including the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy and the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy, recognizing his outstanding performance in junior hockey.
Connor Brown Family
Connor Brown is married and has one child. He became engaged to his long-time girlfriend in January 2020 and they were married in August 2021.
Personal Life
Connor Brown maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career in professional hockey. He continues to reside in Canada and is dedicated to his family and professional commitments.
