Brennan, a former second-round pick (2007), may finally get his chance to prove his worth in the NHL. Despite establishing himself as a prolific offensive defenseman in the AHL with 192 points in his past 218 games, including 68 points in 69 games with AHL Toronto, Brennan’s lack of defensive prowess has prevented him from locking down a regular job in the NHL. On a Flyers team that is trying to fix their defense on the fly, Brennan has a chance to win a roster spot, but the 27-year-old is unlikely to become anything more than a power-play specialist.
The weakest part of the Islander's team is their defense, but Brennan is not the answer to that problem. He will compete in training camp for a spot on the final pair but will also spend quite a few games in the press box.
The Leafs inked Brennan to a one-year, one-way deal this past summer, so the 24-year-old is likely to stick around with the big club this year. His cap hit is friendly ($600K) and his offensive tool kit is slightly better than the now-departed Mike Kostka, who didn't have any problem sticking with the Buds last year. He'll be hard-pressed to get regular ice time, though, and will likely be the team's seventh defender ... or worse, if the Leafs keep Morgan Rielly with the big club.
The Sabres' injury epidemic last season allowed Brennan to see his first NHL action, where he recorded one point in 11 games. The Sabres are hopeful that his offensive upside (30 points in 52 games with AHL Rochester) translates to the big leagues, but he'll need to pay his dues in the AHL once again. He'll likely spend the season quarterbacking the power-play with Rochester with his eye on a mid-season recall to Buffalo, barring any injuries to the big club's roster.
Brennan rated as the number five prospect in the Buffalo organization heading into last season, and had a very productive year in the AHL, notching 39 points (15 G, 24 A) over 72 games in Portland. In an offseason that saw the Sabres add to their defensive corps through trade and free agency, Brennan will surely be spending 2011-12 developing with Buffalo's new AHL affiliate in Rochester.
Brennan is the top defensive prospect in the Sabres system. An athletic skater who is offensive-minded, and could use some growth defensively. Brennan will spend the year in Portland, where he earned six goals and 17 assists in 65 games in his first season as a professional in 2009-10.
This season Brennan will make the transition from junior play to the AHL. It will most likely be a couple of years before this big defenseman makes it to the NHL, but he is not one to be overlooked. For his size, Brennan has a decent amount of speed and agility which makes him a good offensive threat and potential fantasy contributor in the future.
Brennan is an offensive-minded defenseman with a great slap shot and solid checking skills. His defense needs more polish and he's not projected to reach the NHL ranks for at least three more years. He should spend 2008-09 in juniors.
The first pick in the second round of the 2007 draft, Brennan is about three years away from the NHL. The 18-year-old is an offensive-minded defenseman who possesses a 97 MPH shot and a willingness to mix things up. He is expected to play for St. John's in the QMJHL this season.
