Connor Brown, a former Edmonton Oilers player, faced his old team for the first time since signing a four‑year, $12 million contract with the New Jersey Devils in the offseason. In the recent matchup, Brown scored a shorthanded breakaway goal that gave the Devils a 2‑1 lead in the third period. He credited the play to a tip from his former teammate Leon Draisaitl, who had advised him to use a backhand‑forehand move on breakaways. The maneuver worked perfectly, allowing Brown to outrun Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and net his third goal of the season.
After the goal, Brown’s teammates noted his excitement. Defenseman Brett Pesce remarked that Brown “lit up like a Christmas tree.” Brown himself said the game felt more significant than a typical regular‑season contest because of his two‑year stint with Edmonton, during which he helped the team reach back‑to‑back Stanley Cup Finals.
In addition to his on‑ice performance, Brown spoke about playing alongside Devils star Jack Hughes, drawing a comparison to his former Oilers teammate Connor McDavid. He praised Hughes for his strong work ethic, saying the young player “puts his work first” and has been professional from a young age. Brown’s comments highlighted both the similarities and differences between the two stars, emphasizing their shared commitment to the game.
The contest underscored Brown’s ability to thrive under pressure and to apply lessons learned from playing with elite talent. As the season progresses, he is expected to remain a key contributor for the Devils, bringing his skill set and experience to the team.
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