Brouwer remains unsigned as of this writing, likely because teams are searching for younger bottom-six alternatives before hitching their wagon to a guy who will be 34 when the season starts. The veteran winger has topped 20 points in each of the past 11 seasons, though he's seen his total decline in each of the last four and mustered only 12 goals and nine assists over 75 games with the Panthers last season. Brouwer's ceiling is low and his floor is eroding.
Brouwer is coming off the worst offensive season of his NHL career, scoring just six goals and 22 points as the only time that he failed to produce a double-digit goal total over a full schedule. He was non-existent on the man advantage, posting just five assists after recording at least 10 power-play points in each of the previous five seasons. Part of his struggles can be linked to an unsightly 7.6 shooting percentage -- significantly lower than his 13.8 career rate. After being bought out by the Flames in August, the gritty winger secured a one-year deal with Florida, but he'll likely be reduced to a small role without much fantasy potential.
After being a provider of consistent secondary scoring for the past several seasons, Brouwer finally took a step back in 2016-17, posting 12 assists and 25 points -- both career lows -- along with a poor minus-11 rating. While he still managed 11 points while averaging a healthy 2:25 of ice time on the power play, the veteran forward saw reduced looks at five-on-five, as his 16:13 of average ice time was his lowest since the 2010-11 campaign. With the Flames’ younger offensive talent continuing to emerge, Brouwer may continue transitioning into a steady bottom-six role, minimizing his value in most fantasy formats.
Whether in Chicago, Washington or St. Louis, Brouwer’s offered a remarkably consistent package of point totals in the 30s or 40s coupled with toughness and durability throughout his career. Now he’ll take that package to Calgary after signing a four-year, $18 million deal this past offseason, with the expectation being that he’ll take up residence as the guardian of the highly skilled, but not very physical first-liners Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. That could mean the veteran sees an uptick in both minutes and points in his age-31 season, especially if he gets to ride shotgun on the power play as well. Brouwer’s had success as a net-front presence on the man advantage in the past, and the Flames have few alternate candidates to serve as a big body in front of the goaltender. He’s set to deliver a well-rounded fantasy line this season.
Brouwer came to the Blues in the T.J. Oshie trade following consecutive 20-goal, 40-point seasons in Washington. While he won't match Oshie's skill level, he will put an adequate number of pucks on net and bring a physical element that may have been missing from the St. Louis lineup, as he racked up 206 hits last season) Brouwer's likely to start the season on the Blues' third line, but given the team's depth, he could see time with some pretty skilled linemates regardless. He's not likely to see the big minutes he did in Washington anymore, particularly on the power play, but Brouwer will certainly have a role with the Blues, so he'll likely once again land in the neighborhood of 40 points.
Displaced in his role as the top right wing for the Caps due to Ovechkin’s move to the right side, Brouwer remains a solid contributor on the team’s second-line. The burly winger had tremendous difficulty producing at even strength, but made up for it with 12 goals and 21 points on the man advantage. Brouwer may continue to struggle at even strength until a solid center can be established on the Caps’ second line, but given his opportunity on the power play and his strong contributions to peripheral stats such as hits and PIM, Brouwer still has the makings of a fine fantasy performer.
Brouwer has scored 17-plus goals in each of his last four seasons. This feat is even more impressive given the fact the 2012-2013 season was just 48 games long. Despite the shortened season, Brouwer scored 19 goals, good for 16th in the league. Brouwer will be just 28-years old when the 2013-2014 season starts and should be considered as a slightly under-the-radar-pick to help fill out your forward depth once the big guns are off the board.
The Capitals made a splash in free agency and one of their new guys is this talented young winger. Brouwer has averaged 30 points in his first full three seasons in the NHL and will try to crack the top six in camp. Already coming from a talented offense in Chi-town, do not expect him to put up crazy numbers in D.C. It is safe to assume that he can put up 50 points, 100 shots, and 200 hits in the red, white, and blue, however. Consider him a decent-but-not-great option at wing in most formats. He's also coming off a torn labrum, but is expected to be OK for the regular season.
The Blackhawks are hoping that the Troy Brouwer in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals is the Brouwer that will be for the rest of his career starting with the 2010-11 season. Brouwer had a pair of goals and an assist in that game and could see time with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews on the first line. If that is the case he will improve on his 22 goals and 18 assists, which were both career highs, along with his four goals and four assists in the postseason. In addition with the losses of several players from the Stanley Cup team, Brouwer will certainly get more opportunities to add to his stats.
Brouwer was another young Hawk who had a big season in 2008-09. In only his third season in the NHL, Brouwer registered 10 goals and 16 assists with a plus-7 for the season. He though was fighting for one of the remaining forward spots to start the season.
Brouwer is one of the Hawks' top prospects. He should make the Hawks' opening day roster, and he'll challenge Jack Skille and Craig Adams for ice time. Brouwer is a breakout candidate this season. He tallied 54 points in 75 games with the AHL's Rockford Icehogs last season and recorded his first career NHL assist in two games with the Hawks.
Brouwer played well during the preseason, but was sent down amongst the final cuts to Rockford of the AHL. Should see him later in the season because of injuries or the Hawks will be looking to next season.
