Brown took a step back offensively in 2017-18. He couldn't build on his 20-goal, 36-point rookie campaign and settled with 14 goals and 14 assists over 82 games. Yet Brown is well-respected by his coach, Mike Babcock. His flexibility makes him an easy guy to move up and down the lines. The Leafs are also incredibly deep at forward, which pretty much relegates Brown to the fourth line with capped ice time. He'd play on any other team's third line with ease. Still, he'll outmatch the guys he skates against every shift, which makes him and his mates exciting to watch. But his fantasy value will be limited to the deepest of formats.

Brown's 20-goal rookie campaign in 2016-17 would have leapt off the page had it been not been for guys named Matthews, Marner and Nylander. He also tailed off as the season wore on with just five goals in his last 23 games. Brown, however, had the trust of coach Mike Babcock, something that doesn't come easily, and he continued to slot onto all lines because of his gritty, two-way versatility. Brown finished the season with 36 points despite playing a more defensive role and should line up as the Leafs' third-line right winger in 2017-18. Don't let that scare you, as the Leafs' top three lines saw relatively equal ice time in 2016-17. Brown should see an uptick in output this season, although he will continue to hop the boards in key defensive moments. Mid-40 point totals beckon.

Brown is a classic late-bloomer who has gone from being a sixth-round pick (156th overall) in 2012 to the OHL scoring champion and Player of the Year in 2013-14. At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Brown needs to continue to work on his strength to shine in the pros, but he already oozes top-six skills and loves to compete, so his time should come. He'll be given every opportunity to show off his talents with the AHL Toronto Marlies and could compete for a job with the Leafs in a couple seasons.