Brown's production took a step backwards last season -- which isn't surprising given the malaise surrounding him in Los Angeles -- but the 34-year-old still hit 20 goals and 50 points for a second straight year despite playing the fewest games of his career in a full season. He once again saw consistent usage on the power play, lighting the lamp nine times with the man advantage, but the physical aspect of his game continues to decline, as his 150 hits were fewer than he managed even in the strike-shortened 2012-13 campaign. The Kings' rebuild and his not especially onerous contract make him a prime trade target, but for now, Brown will hold down a top-six spot for the club until younger players push him aside.
Brown exploded last season for a career high in points with 61 and had his first 20-goal season since 2012, lighting the lamp 28 times. The question is: was it a flash in the pan, or will Brown consistently produce this season as well? That'll be determined in part by how well he pairs with Jeff Carter this season. Last year, Carter missed 55 games, and Brown picked up the slack in the scoring department. With Carter around, will the 33-year-old Brown's numbers stay strong or taper off? It's a gamble either way, which means Brown's draft position could wildly fluctuate. Even factoring in his broken finger sustained in the presason finale, he's probably a late middle-round target in most leagues, but there's a bit too much uncertainty around him to recommend him in the early rounds.
It was another disappointing showing from the veteran winger in 2016-17, as Brown recorded just 14 goals and 36 points. He hasn't hit the 20-goal or 50-point marks since the 2011-12 campaign, and Brown threw less hits(190) and registered fewer PIM (22) than in years past. Additionally, his ice time dipped to 16:00 per game, which was his lowest average since his first full season in the league over a decade ago. The Kings’ shallow depth chart will provide Brown with enough minutes to remain a low-end option in deep fantasy settings, but he offers limited upside.
Once a consistent source of 50-plus – even 60 – points, Brown has declined badly over the three seasons, failing to crack even 30 points in any of those campaigns despite missing just three games in that span. He still racks up hits like few in the business, but Brown’s protection racket is practically the only thing justifying the former captain’s continued position in the Kings’ top six. Still just 31 years old, the New York native shouldn’t be washed up yet, and there’s no clear reason why his production fell off drastically in his late 20s, but it’s not a good bet that he’ll get it back this year. It seems likely that Brown will continue transitioning into an increasingly defensive role – his penalty-killing minutes have been rising continuously while his power-play time keeps dropping. Outside of leagues that reward hits, he’ll have a hard time making a home on many fantasy rosters.
Brown had a huge letdown of a regular season (15 goals and 12 assists in 79 games), but like so many of his Kings mates, his play in the playoffs helped erase some of the bad memories. He's very good at drawing penalties, but didn't do much damage with the power-play time he earned for the Kings; in fact, there was a four-month stretch starting in November where he didn't generate a single point on the power play thanks to a dismal 3.7 percent shooting percentage. Brown’s eight-year, $47 million contract extension kicks in this season, so the Kings need him to reverse course on what might have been the start of a decline for the 30-year-old power forward.
Brown put together another solid season (18 goals, 11 assists in 46 games) for the Kings and inked an eight-year contract extension that will keep him in LA until 2021-22. He's always been a streaky point producer and had been remarkably healthy given his style of play ... until the most recent playoffs. He did suffer a torn PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) in the postseason, so his offseason was spent rehabbing the knee injury. He'll be back as captain and will fill a top-six role for the Kings, and should deliver his typical 50-plus points and 300 hits.
Brown saw a dip in his regular-season numbers (22 goals and 32 assists in 82 games) thanks to a sluggish start, but turned his game up a notch as the season came to a close (8 goals and 15 assists in his last 21 games). And he was an integral part of the Kings' Cup run, scoring eight goals and adding 12 assists in 20 games. He's a remarkably consistent and healthy player, but may never have the breakout offensive season many were expecting. He'll be back in a top-six role again for the Kings.
Brown put together another nice season (28 G, 29 A) for the Kings but those waiting for a complete breakout season were left disappointed. The ever-steady Brown has played in at last 78 games for five years running now, but hasn't recorded more than 60 points in any of those campaigns. The addition of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne figure to take away some of the defensive attention paid to Brown though he may cede some ice time as a result. A return to the 30-goal mark isn't out of the question if he can cash in on the power play a little more often.
Brown set a career low in penalty minutes (41) last year, but did register his third straight 50-plus point campaign (24G, 32A). He's not quite the force on the power play as he was a few years back, since the Kings have added some additional forward skill. Even so, he still netted seven PPGs. Expect another 50-60 point season while providing moderate help in leagues that reward for penalty minutes.
It’s pretty clear that his ’07-08 campaign might have been his high water mark (33 G) as his shooting percentage that season was nearly double that of each of his other three full seasons. Sure he’s still only 25 years old and could turn into a 40-goal, 100 PIM monster if the cards align but it seems his reputation often exceeds his fantasy output. Expecting anything more than a 60-point, 70 PIM season may be wishcasting.
Brown led the Kings in goals last season with a career-high 34. He's at his best on the power play and should continue to see plenty of power-play time on one of the Kings' top units. If you can avoid overpaying for his breakout season there's still a lot to like here as he should skate alongside Anze Kopitar but don't be surprised if he doesn't match last year's goal output.
Brown is part of a group of young up-and-coming wingers for the Kings and could see his numbers increase after record career highs in goals with 17, assists with 29 and points with 46. The Kings made several acquisitions in the off season and the new additions will definitely have an effect on his numbers this season.
The scrappy winger will be expected to develop his offensive game this year, but still play with the edge he did last year. A point total of 50 or more is probable.
Currently slated to play on the third line with Craig Conroy. Brown needs to shake the injury bug and play solid hockey all season long to keep his roster spot.
