How much is Troy Brouwer’s magical postseason run worth to the St. Louis Blues or some other team in free agency? How important is comfort and familiarity to Troy Brouwer?
Those seem to be the most important bigger-picture questions, although from the sound of Brouwer’s comments, nuts-and-bolts issues may decide his future in or outside of St. Louis.
Brouwer raved about his time with the Blues as the team spoke with the media to close out the 2015-16 season. The power forward seemed very happy about his living conditions and the way his style fits with this blue collar team.
Troy Brouwer said he and his family enjoyed St. Louis and would welcome a return back. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/YqMYOLB7uX
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) May 28, 2016
Troy Brouwer: "It's a team, a city, a franchise that I'd like to come back to if the opportunity makes itself available." #StlBlues
— Andrew Allsman (@allsmandrew) May 28, 2016
Even so, Brouwer also admits that “it’s a business.”
That’s typical talk, yet it was more interesting when he went a little deeper, acknowledging that he understands that GM Doug Armstrong must ask questions about more than just the 2016-17 season.
His playoff production was fantastic, but a smart GM will realize that it probably wasn’t sustainable. Case in point, facts like these:
Troy Brouwer (@StLouisBlues) scored his 8th goal of 2016 #StanleyCup Playoffs (19 GP); he had 7 goals in his first 78 career playoff games.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 24, 2016
Even so, Brouwer brings considerable value if you keep expectations in check.
While he fell a little bit short this season with 18, he generally falls in the 20-goal range each year. He’s one of those players who can bring some grit to the table without totally taking away from your team in other ways.
Brouwer was one of the Blues’ top penalty-killing forwards to boot.
It wouldn’t be the least bit surprising for Brouwer to enjoy a healthy raise from his expired $3.67 million cap hit, yet you must wonder how much. Maybe most importantly, what kind of term is he looking for?
That last question might just be pivotal regarding a possible return to the Blues. Would he sacrifice some stability to try to make another run with St. Louis?
Even if he isn’t that old at 30, his rugged style might mean that this is one of his last opportunities for a big payday.
Both sides face a tough call, yet it sounds like a reunion is at least plausible.
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