Connor Brown, former Edmonton Oilers player, faced his old team for the first time since joining the New Jersey Devils. Brown signed a four-year, $12 million contract with the Devils during the offseason. In a recent game, the Devils took on the Oilers, and Brown scored a shorthanded breakaway goal against his former club, giving his team a 2-1 lead in the third period.

Brown revealed in a post-game interview that he drew on lessons learned from his former teammate, Leon Draisaitl, to score the goal. Draisaitl had advised Brown to use a backhand-forehand move on breakaways, which proved successful in this instance. The goal was Brown’s third of the season and came as a result of his speed, allowing him to outpace Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard.

Brown’s teammates noted his excitement after scoring against his former team, with Brett Pesce commenting that Brown “lit up like a Christmas tree.” Brown himself acknowledged that the game felt more significant than a regular-season match, given his history with the Oilers. He had spent two seasons with the team, making back-to-back Stanley Cup Final runs.

In addition to his on-ice performance, Brown also shared his observations on playing with Devils star Jack Hughes, comparing him to his former teammate, Connor McDavid. Brown praised Hughes’ strong work ethic, stating that he “puts his work first” and has been a professional since a young age. Brown’s comments highlight the similarities and differences between the two stars, with both players demonstrating a strong commitment to their craft.

The game served as a reminder of Brown’s ability to perform under pressure and his capacity to learn from his experiences playing alongside top talent in the NHL. As the season progresses, Brown will continue to be a key player for the Devils, bringing his skills and knowledge to the team.