With a load of players being placed on waivers the day before the NHL trade deadline, the Montreal Canadiens got in on the action, claiming San Jose Sharks pugilist Mike Brown, according to multiple sources.
Brown hasn’t found an expanded role under new Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer. In the 44 games he’s found his way into, he’s averaged just 7:13 of ice time, his lowest mark during three seasons with the Sharks. Though 44 games is the most he’s played with San Jose.
Between injuries and Ben Smith being unable to garner the favor of DeBoer, Brown likely found his way into more games than he would have otherwise.
The move is an effort to bring some more muscle to their group. The Canadiens have to focus on the future and will likely be giving some younger players increased ice time down the stretch as their games become increasingly meaningless. Brown would be seen as a player who can provide some protection for those prospects.
There doesn’t appear to be much interest in recalling John Scott to fulfill that role, as he has not yet seen a recall and the claim of Brown would block the way for Scott.
