The New Jersey Devils have made a significant addition to their forward ranks, signing Connor Brown to a four-year contract worth $12 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $3 million, was announced on July 1, 2025, marking a key move in the opening of NHL free agency. Brown, a 31-year-old winger, is coming off a season with the Edmonton Oilers where he played all 82 games, recording 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points.
Brown's contract is structured with varying salaries over the four years: $3.5 million for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons, and $2.5 million for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. The $3 million cap hit remains consistent throughout the contract. For the first two years of the contract, Brown has a full no-trade clause, followed by a 10-team no-trade clause for the final two years.
Known for his speed, two-way play, and penalty-killing abilities, Brown is expected to bring valuable depth and secondary scoring to the Devils' lineup. He has a reputation as a smart and tenacious competitor, which should help elevate the energy and defensive structure of the team's bottom-six forwards. Throughout his NHL career, Brown has demonstrated a knack for generating scoring chances and contributing on the rush.
Prior to joining the Devils, Brown spent time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and Edmonton Oilers. Drafted by Toronto in the sixth round (156th overall) in 2012, Brown has accumulated 107 goals and 151 assists in 601 career games. He has also participated in 59 postseason games, tallying 8 goals and 12 assists. Brown has reached the Stanley Cup Final in the past two seasons.
In his first season with the Oilers, Brown faced challenges early on after returning from a torn ACL. However, he found his stride later in the season and carried that momentum into the following year. In the 2024-25 season, he contributed effectively in all 82 games and added to the team's playoff run.
Beyond his regular season contributions, Brown brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Devils' locker room. He has a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, as evidenced by his comments after recovering from his ACL injury: "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Mentally, I'm feeling better than ever".
The Devils have been actively reshaping their roster, with a focus on improving their bottom-six forwards and adding secondary offensive production. In addition to Brown, the Devils have also signed Evgenii Dadonov to a one-year contract and Angus Crookshank to a two-year deal. These moves reflect General Manager Tom Fitzgerald's commitment to creating a more competitive and well-rounded team. The Devils also re-signed goaltender Jake Allen to a five-year contract.
With the addition of Connor Brown, the New Jersey Devils are aiming to bolster their forward depth, improve their penalty kill, and add a player with a proven track record of contributing at both ends of the ice.
