Last summer, former Washington Capitals forward Troy Brouwer signed a four-year, $18 million contract with the Calgary Flames. Brouwer was a hot commodity after scoring eight goals and helping lead the St. Louis Blues to the Western Conference Finals.
That marriage may be ending sooner that anyone ever expected. Late Saturday night, Sportsnet’s Eric Francis leaked the Flames’ expansion draft protect list and reported that Brouwer, one of the team’s alternate captains, was left unprotected.
Confirming Calgary's protected list: Gaudreau, Monahan, Ferland, Backlund, Frolik, Bennett, Lazar, Giordano, Brodie, Hamilton, Smith.
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) June 18, 2017
Can confirm the #Flames didn't do anything silly by protecting Brouwer on expansion list. He was exposed. Ferland, Lazar & Bennett protected
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) June 17, 2017
Brouwer, who former Caps GM George McPhee traded a first round pick for in 2011, may be Vegas bound.
The Big Lebrouwski, who turns 32-years-old in August, arguably had his worst season as a pro. Brouwer’s 25 points was a career low while his 13 goals was the least amount of tallies he’s scored since 2008-09 (10). Brouwer was also dominated in possession, finishing with a 47.22 even strength shot attempt percentage.
With that type of return in the first year of a longterm deal, Brouwer’s $4.5 million cap hit is unpalatable for the Flames. Meanwhile, McPhee may covet Brouwer’s grit, leadership, and Stanley Cup experience (he won a championship with Chicago in 2010) in a young and impressionable locker room. Brouwer has scored 20 goals or more three times in his career and in a different system and setting, he could regain some of his lost scoring touch.
All NHL teams’ protect lists will be revealed at 10 AM Sunday morning.
S/T to NBC Sports’ Cam Tucker for first posting.
Headline photo: Derek Leung
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