|
The Calgary Flames Should Have Stayed Away From Troy Brouwer |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
On Friday the Calgary Flames finally landed the power forward they've coveted as they signed Troy Brouwer to a four-year contract worth $4.5 million per season.
While Brouwer has averaged 21 goals and 41 points over the last three seasons - and also brings playoff experience - I think the Flames overpaid for his services and would have been better off spending the money elsewhere.
Over the last three seasons Brouwer has averaged just 1.36 points per 60 minutes of 5 v 5 play. That ranks him 196th among 264 eligible forwards (minimum 2,000 minutes) over that span and ties him with the likes of John Mitchell, Riley Nash, Joffrey Lupul and Dwight King.
If you trim off the 2013-14 season and focus on the last two years his numbers are a little better (1.49 points per 60) but still leave a lot to be desired.
Brouwer's numbers have been inflated by the power play - he ranks 49th in PP points over the last three years - and simply being spoon fed a lot of minutes with quality players.
He's not very efficient but the points come eventually when you're spoon fed minutes with high-end players; and it seems a good bet he will be in Calgary.
On top of very pedestrian 5 v 5 scoring numbers Brouwer has struggled in possession. He's not an anchor, per se, but he has been a sub 50% possession player in four of the last five seasons.
Brouwer is on the wrong side of 30, too, so it's unlikely these worrisome trends change moving forward.
That's why, while Brouwer is a useful player, I think the Flames should have stayed away from him.
Recent posts:
On the Brian Elliott trade
Flames prioritize skill, production at 2016 NHL draft
On the hiring of Glen Gulutzan
Flames sign David Rittich
Andersson, Mangiapane featured in OHL All-Star teams
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»