Though Brent has done well with what little ice-time he has received in his first two seasons out of the minors, a Hurricane forward not on one of the club's top two offensive units has a hard and fairly low fantasy ceiling. The former Maple Leaf had 12 goals and 24 points in limited duty last season.
Brent arrives in Raleigh after inking a two-year, $1.5 million deal with the Hurricanes on July 1, the beginning of the free agency signing period. The checking forward brings a rigid work ethic to the table, though the verdict is still out on his point potential given his lack of NHL experience. He did record eight goals and 12 assists in 78 games with Toronto last season, but that was just his first full season since entering the league in 2006-07, with the Ducks. It’s probably best to temper your expectations for Brent, as he is destined to become a fourth-liner as a Hurricane.
Brent has potential. But he always thought more of himself than perhaps he should. Don't get us wrong -- he's a decent guy and he has talent. But the clock is ticking away. And at 26, he has played just 19 NHL games in the last four seasons for four different NHL teams. Toronto may be his last chance. He won't likely get an NHL job out of camp but he should see time on the shuttle to and from the Marlies.
Brent is a Brian Burke man. He was a former 2002 second-round Anaheim draft pick who held out, refusing to sign. He went back into the draft in 2004 and the Ducks promptly redrafted him in the third round that year. Burke must really like this guy to chase him all the way through the Ducks system to the Buds. Mind you, he has talent -- 62 points in 64 games with Rockford (AHL) isn't shabby. It remains to be seen if he can translate those skills in the NHL. Watch him. He may get a chance.
Brent came over to the Hawks this offseason in a trade from the Penguins. He quickly signed a one-year contract with the team. Brent has only played in 16 NHL games during his career. He's young enough to improve and may win a roster spot out of camp, but he'll probably float between the Hawks and the Rockford Icehogs during the season.
Acquired from Anaheim over the summer, Brent plays center in an organization stacked with centermen. He does have some offensive potential, as illustrated by his total of 30 points (16,14) in 48 games at the AHL level last year, but has little chance of making the team out of camp. Brent figures to have little more than a bit role in Pittsburgh, if that, this winter.
Brent will start the season at Portland (AHL).
Although there's a good chance he'll make the team -- and play on one of the top lines -- he won't be a fantasy factor until he proves he can score with some consistency while getting through the rigors of an NHL season.
