The Edmonton Oilers appear to be making a prudent decision by allowing Connor Brown to test the free agent market. After joining the Oilers on a one-year deal ahead of the 2023-24 season and subsequently extending for another year, the 31-year-old winger is now seeking to capitalize on a productive 2024-25 campaign.

Reports indicate that Brown and the Oilers engaged in extension discussions but were unable to reach an agreement. While this news may disappoint some Oilers fans, General Manager Stan Bowman and his staff are making a wise choice by not locking him into a long-term deal.

Throughout his NHL career, and particularly with the Oilers, Brown has primarily been a bottom-six forward. When performing at his best, as he did in 2024-25, he can contribute valuable depth scoring and is capable of killing penalties. While his offensive contributions, especially in the playoffs, were beneficial, they don't elevate Brown beyond what the organization already recognized him to be. He remains a bottom-six forward prone to occasional hot streaks, but his regular season point totals of 30 in 2024-25 and just 12 in 2023-24 demonstrate that he is not an irreplaceable asset.

Players with Brown's skillset are often readily available in free agency, frequently at affordable prices. Brown's improved performance at an opportune time will likely lead to a decent payday, but the Oilers can likely find similar production elsewhere without committing significant long-term resources.

During the 2024-25 season, Brown appeared in all 82 games, recording 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points. In 153 regular-season games with Edmonton, he accumulated 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points. Over his 601-game NHL career, Brown has 107 goals and 151 assists for 258 points, along with 8 goals and 20 points in 59 playoff games.

Several factors contribute to the Oilers' sound decision. The team has approximately $15.6 million in cap space for the upcoming season but must prioritize re-signing key players like Evan Bouchard. Furthermore, the Oilers need to manage their cap effectively to maintain flexibility for future acquisitions and roster adjustments.

While Connor Brown enjoyed his time with the Oilers and even reunited with his former Erie Otters linemate Connor McDavid, his decision to test free agency is understandable, especially given the potential for a significant pay increase. Prior to joining the Oilers, Brown faced injury challenges that limited him to just four games for the Washington Capitals in the 2022-23 season. However, he rediscovered his form with the Oilers, resembling the impactful player he was with the Ottawa Senators.

Ultimately, allowing Connor Brown to explore free agency aligns with the Edmonton Oilers' strategic approach to team building and financial management. By not overspending on a replaceable player, the Oilers maintain flexibility to address other roster needs and continue their pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship.