Josh Brown, the forgotten man of the Edmonton Oilers organization, is poised to get a genuine opportunity to secure a spot on the 2026-27 roster, according to Edmonton insider Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now. Stauffer has mentioned twice this week that Brown could be on the opening night roster, at least as the team's seventh defenseman.
Stauffer's Assessment of Brown's Role
“I’m just saying that the Oilers moved out Darnell Nurse in that trade and lost a little bit of toughness in the process. Maybe we could have a scenario here where Josh Brown’s the number 7 defenceman. That is a feasible scenario,” Stauffer said. He further elaborated that Ty Emberson and Shakir Mukhamadullin would compete for the sixth and seventh spots, with Spencer Stastney as the eighth defenseman. “Some of you aren’t going to like to hear it again, but Josh Brown is going to be given an opportunity to make this team. Okay, he has history playing for (new Oilers associate coach) D.J. Smith. He’s going to be coaching the defense. (Brown) is as tough as nails, and the reality is the Edmonton Oilers, they don’t have the toughest team right now. It might be a concern,” Stauffer added.
Brown's Background and Performance
Brown was one of the signings during the infamous “Summer of Jeff” in July 2024, when Jeff Jackson acted as interim general manager. Jackson signed Brown to a three-year NHL deal at $1 million per year, a move that raised eyebrows given Brown's marginal NHL performance, particularly his skating and puck-moving liabilities. Brown played just 10 regular-season games for the Oilers in 2024-25 and 39 games in Bakersfield. Last season, he appeared in no NHL games and 57 AHL games. He last played for the Oilers in a 2024 playoff game against Los Angeles, where he struggled and was quickly benched.
Team Need for Aggression
The Oilers' need for toughness has become more pronounced after trading Darnell Nurse, who brought physicality. The Carolina Hurricanes, known for their finesse, won a Stanley Cup, but the NHL is seeing a shift toward aggression, exemplified by the Florida Panthers' roster of enforcers like the Tkachuk brothers, Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, Radko Gudas, Garnet Hathaway, and Jonah Gadjovich. Stauffer's comments reflect a concern that the Oilers may lack the grit to compete in this evolving landscape.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Many fans may not welcome Brown's potential return, but analysts note his solid play in the first half of last season in Bakersfield before injuries set in. Cult of Hockey contributor Ira Cooper reported that Brown played well initially before being supplanted by younger, more skilled players. Despite his limitations, Brown's toughness and familiarity with coach D.J. Smith could earn him a role as the Oilers seek to balance skill with physicality.
