Where Does Troy Brouwer Fit on the 2017-18 Calgary Flames?

Last summer, Troy Brouwer was the Calgary Flames prized free agent acquisition.

Last season, Troy Brouwer was by far the team's biggest disappointment, arguably their worst forward and ultimately hurt the team more than any benefit he provided.

Initially seen as a potential fit on the top line, he slid down the depth chart throughout the season and after spending way too long on the third line, he finally was dropped down to the fourth line.

While there is the potential of a bounce back, we have to keep in mind that Brouwer was never as good as he was made out to be when the team signed him, with his inflated shooting percentage, lots of ice time, good teammates, poor possession stats. He will also be 32 when the season begins and it is well documented that there can be a sharp drop off in performance for players as they hit their 30s. We can hope he will be better, but there probably is not much of a logical basis in thinking that way.

Unfortunately, he still has 3 seasons remaining on his contract at $4.5 million a season. Not an ideal situation at all.

But where does he fit in the line up?

Where Does He Not Fit?

Where Should He Probably Not Go?

What Is Left?

Concluding Thoughts

In the end, there really is not a good fit for Brouwer with this Calgary Flames team. The most likely and best case scenario is bouncing between the 4th line and the press box, hopefully contributing in whatever way he can.

If he did not have a contract this big and was not a former 20 goal scorer with a reputation for being a winner and leader, he would probably be on waivers and in the AHL this season. Alex Chiasson was better than Brouwer was last season and he still does not have an NHL contract.

That is just the sad reality of it. There is no good place for Brouwer on this team, but they are still sending $4.5 million his way this year, while his presence potentially blocks a younger player from joining the club.

by samwell9