Brown has observed the biggest changes to his own game over that span come on the mental side, as he’s evolved from more of a top-line scorer in the OHL to a top-to-middle six forward who can excel on both sides of the puck and contribute on the penalty kill.
Additionally, Brown’s recent knee injury required a lot of mental resolve for him to recover correctly and give himself the opportunity to return to action this season with an Oilers side that’s prepared to give everything to achieve their Stanley Cup aspirations.
“For me, I feel like I’m a lot smarter as I got older in the league,” he said. “I feel that’s been an asset of mine is knowing where to be and being able to execute team play and stuff like that, so I’m excited to see where I fit here.”
Brown senses his strength and conditioning approaching game-ready status with each passing day as Training Camp begins to hit high gear in Edmonton, but remains unsure of how many pre-season games he’ll suit up for before the start of the regular season.
What’s most important, to both him and the Oilers medical staff, is that he continues to stack good days on top of good days.
“We don’t really have a plan as to when I’m getting in yet,” he said. “I told them that I’m ready to go. They’ve got a world-class medical staff here and so I’m trusting their lead when it comes to the return of the play stuff, but I feel good.”
“I just want to get better and better as the year goes on. I feel good and I’m excited to get going. I’m just excited to be back in the game and I feel grateful to be able to be with this club and to be playing again, so it’s been a while.
“For me, my goal is just to get better and better.”