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Absence makes the Connor Brown grow fonder

The New Jersey Devils have been struggling offensively coming out of the gate, but one wouldn't expect a missing fourth liner to have such an impactful absence. Connor Brown is really missed in the first two games.

Published: Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 4:21 AM
Absence makes the Connor Brown grow fonder
Key Things to Know
  • Nick Villano argues that Connor Brown's injury absence has significantly damaged the New Jersey Devils' offense.
  • The Devils have failed to score a 5v5 goal in their first two regular-season games.
  • Stefan Noesen and Jesper Boqvist have taken reps in Brown's absence alongside rookie Amadeus Lombardi.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Pucks and Pitchforks writer Nick Villano argues that forward Connor Brown's absence due to injury is severely hurting the New Jersey Devils' offense. New Jersey has struggled significantly at 5v5 play to open the season, scoring zero even-strength goals and suffering a 6-0 loss to the New York Islanders.

Villano states that Brown's speed, transition game, and forechecking complement star Jack Hughes and open up crucial space. After Stefan Noesen and Jesper Boqvist filled in, the writer insists the Devils desperately need Brown back in the lineup.

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