Connor Brown Returns to Bolster Oilers for Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Injury and Recovery

Brown, 31, suffered the injury during Game 3 against the Dallas Stars on May 25, when a hard hit from defenseman Alexander Petrovic forced him to exit in the second period. The undisclosed ailment, speculated to involve the head, kept him out of Games 4 and 5, with Viktor Arvidsson stepping into his third-line role alongside Adam Henrique and Evander Kane. Despite missing practices and being listed as a game-time decision earlier in the series, Brown resumed full team practice on Sunday, skating on the fifth line with Max Jones and Derek Ryan. “I feel good,” Brown said. “It’s nice to get a practice in with the team. I’m excited.”

Head coach Kris Knoblauch expressed confidence in Brown’s readiness, noting, “I think he will be fine. You saw him on the ice and double-shifting.” The Oilers’ 6-3 victory in Game 5 over Dallas secured their second consecutive Cup Final berth, providing Brown crucial recovery time. His return is especially vital given the absence of forward Zach Hyman, who underwent surgery for an upper-body injury (reportedly a broken wrist) sustained in Game 4 against Dallas, ruling him out for the playoffs.

Brown’s Playoff Impact

Brown has been a standout in the 2025 playoffs, tallying eight points (five goals, three assists) in 14 games, a career-best postseason performance. His speed (38 bursts of 20-plus mph, ninth in the NHL) and penalty-killing prowess make him a versatile asset. Last season, Brown contributed six points (two goals, four assists) in 19 playoff games, including a short-handed goal in the Final against Florida, helping spark Edmonton’s rally from a 3-0 deficit to force Game 7. Playing with Henrique and Mattias Janmark, he formed a gritty line that delivered clutch moments, with Janmark scoring in the 2-1 Game 7 loss.

This season, Brown built on that momentum, recording 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 82 regular-season games. Reflecting on his growth, he said, “I guess maybe a little more confidence having a longer runway. Last year, I felt like there were only a few months of getting back to my game before the finals.” His resilience is notable, having overcome a torn ACL that limited him to four games with the Washington Capitals in 2022-23 before joining Edmonton.

Lineup Adjustments and Depth

With Hyman sidelined, Brown is likely to elevate to a top-six role, though he remains flexible. “I’ve got no idea what the line combinations are,” he said. “The beauty about this team is we’re so deep. Any combination can be productive.” Knoblauch’s frequent line tweaks highlight Edmonton’s depth, with players like Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, and Kasperi Kapanen stepping up in Brown’s absence. Skinner, who scored in Game 5 against Dallas, may be the odd man out, as posts on X suggest.

The Oilers’ depth has been a postseason strength, with 19 of 21 skaters recording points in the Western Conference Final. Brown’s return enhances their penalty kill, where he’s a key contributor, and adds offensive spark to complement stars Connor McDavid (26 points) and Leon Draisaitl (25 points). Facing Florida’s deep attack, led by Sam Bennett (10 goals) and Aleksander Barkov (17 points), Brown’s two-way play will be crucial.

A Familiar Stage

This Final marks the first Stanley Cup rematch since 2009, with Edmonton seeking their first title since 1990. Last year’s series saw Florida jump to a 3-0 lead before Edmonton’s rally fell short. Brown noted the team’s growth: “Last year, there was a big shock factor. This year, we understood what it took given our experience.” Despite a rocky start (0-2 against the Los Angeles Kings), the Oilers have won 12 of their last 14 games, showcasing resilience.

Brown’s playoff experience, including his role in last year’s comeback, fuels his confidence. “We followed the blueprint, stuck to the process, and believed we’d get the results,” he said. His return, alongside Mattias Ekholm’s recent comeback from injury, bolsters Edmonton’s lineup against a formidable Panthers team that added Brad Marchand and Seth Jones.

Conclusion

Connor Brown’s return for Game 1 is a critical lift for the Oilers as they face the Panthers in a high-stakes rematch. His playoff production, versatility, and grit make him a linchpin in Edmonton’s quest for the Cup. With Hyman out, Brown’s elevated role could be a game-changer, leveraging the team’s depth to challenge Florida’s juggernaut. As the puck drops on June 4, Brown’s readiness signals Edmonton’s determination to rewrite last year’s ending.

Source: article by Gerry Moddejonge on nhl.com, published June 1, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer