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The Canadiens wanted a little more nastiness in their lineup last season, but chose not to re-sign the 31-year-old Brown, who collected 90 penalty minutes in 2015-16. Claimed off waivers from San Jose after spending parts of three campaigns in teal, Brown’s NHL career is likely drawing down to a close, with teams opting for younger players and his offensive production – just two goals in his past two seasons – doesn’t warrant a roster spot on fantasy teams, either.
Brown earned himself a shiny new contract in San Jose this season, though there are plenty of fans asking why. And they have a good point. He was repeatedly a healthy scratch last season, which means that he wasn't even all that reliable in the one category -- PIM -- where he has some value. Watch him closely in camp; he needs to earn a regular role before we can even guesstimate a fantasy value.
Brown is the type of player whose hard work can help your NHL team win games, but he won't help your fantasy team unless you absolutely need hits. Brown won't light up the scoreboard with any kind of regularity, but he's not afraid to sacrifice his body for the benefit of the team. Problem is, he will also miss games because of such play.
Mike Brown never takes a shift off. And we mean NEVER. He hits like a Mack truck, kills penalties with ferocity and sticks up for his mates. But, he doesn't deliver many points and doesn't fight enough to pad your sin bin totals. And he might find himself in the press box at times this year with the dreaded "healthy scratch" title adjacent to his name in the program. We love him and his 'stache, but we just can't recommend him for your squad.
Brown is a perfect role player -- he hits, he fights and he crashes the net. He just doesn’t earn a lot of points for his hard work. But he’s a decent, lower-tier fit in deep sin bin leagues, particularly if Colton Orr’s post-concussion woes continue.
Leafs' general manager Brian Burke builds his teams in a very specific way -- two top scoring lines and two dirtball lines. Brown fits the latter profile. Last season, he played in 75 games with Anaheim, scoring six goals, one helper and 106 PIMs. That's his profile; expect the same with the Leafs.
Brown was a trade-deadline acquisition from Vancouver and appeared in 28 games for Anaheim. He managed just two goals and one assist with the Ducks, but his primary contribution was his toughness, especially as a penalty killer. His fantasy worth was limited to PIMs.
Brown is a feisty player who attacks players when he is on the ice. He appeared in 19 games for the Canucks in 2007-08 due to a rash of injuries, but it doesn't seem that he factors into their immediate plans. The role of agitator will be filled by newcomer Darcy Hordichuk. While Brown might see a brief stint or two with the parent club, he will spend most of the season in Manitoba.
The enforcers of the new NHL need to be able to produce in more than just the penalty column. Unfortunately, Brown just doesn't fit this bill and will not be more than an occasional call-up when the Canucks need his specialized talents.
