“A Healthy Left Hand”: Connor Brown of the Oilers Shares His Opinions Regarding Corey Perry and Jordan Binnington

In the world of professional sports, athletes often become more than just teammates; they become icons who shape the narrative of the leagues they play in. The NHL, known for its hard-hitting, high-intensity games, is home to a variety of players who make an indelible mark on the ice. Among these athletes, Connor Brown of the Edmonton Oilers has proven himself to be a reliable forward and an insightful player, both on and off the ice. As a veteran of the league, Brown has had the opportunity to play with and against some of the most well-known players in the NHL, including Corey Perry and Jordan Binnington, two individuals who have made headlines for their actions and personalities.

In this article, we delve into Connor Brown’s perspective on both Corey Perry and Jordan Binnington—two players who have polarized NHL fans. Brown offers a unique insight into their personalities, skill sets, and the reputations they have built over the years. Furthermore, we will explore how these opinions from a player like Brown can provide fans with a different understanding of the players they watch on the ice.

Connor Brown’s Background and Reputation in the NHL

Before diving into his analysis of Perry and Binnington, it’s important to understand who Connor Brown is and why his opinions carry weight. A skilled winger, Brown’s NHL journey began when he was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Known for his consistency, work ethic, and leadership, Brown played several seasons with the Leafs before being traded to the Ottawa Senators and then the Edmonton Oilers. Over the years, Brown has become respected as a steady and dependable presence on the ice, often filling a key role in both defensive and offensive situations.

Brown’s journey from a late-round draft pick to a respected veteran has provided him with a wealth of experiences and encounters with a wide variety of players. His perspective on the league’s stars and up-and-comers offers a valuable insight, especially when discussing players like Corey Perry and Jordan Binnington, who have made headlines for both their on-ice play and off-ice controversies.

Corey Perry: The Veteran Forward with a Checkered Reputation

Corey Perry is no stranger to the spotlight. As a veteran forward with a career spanning nearly two decades, Perry has established himself as one of the more polarizing figures in the NHL. Known for his gritty playstyle, his ability to score clutch goals, and his occasional penchant for playing on the edge, Perry’s presence on the ice often elicits strong reactions from fans, opponents, and teammates alike. He was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft and has since played for several teams, including the Dallas Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Perry’s reputation as a tough, physical player is well known. He’s never been afraid to step into the dirty areas, take the body, or challenge opposing players. His ability to agitate and get under the skin of his opponents is a hallmark of his playing style. However, that physicality has sometimes spilled over into controversy. Throughout his career, Perry has been involved in multiple instances where his play has been criticized as dirty or overly aggressive.

One of the most notable examples of Perry’s divisive reputation occurred during his time with the Anaheim Ducks, when he was known for his controversial hits and occasional incidents that resulted in suspensions. While his skills on the ice cannot be denied—Perry won the Hart Trophy in 2011 as the league’s most valuable player—his aggressive nature has sometimes caused fans and analysts to view him as a player who crosses the line between playing hard and playing dirty.

Connor Brown’s Take on Corey Perry

As a player who has faced Perry multiple times throughout his career, Connor Brown offered his candid thoughts on the veteran forward. When asked about Perry, Brown acknowledged the fine line that Perry walks between playing tough and sometimes crossing over into the controversial side of things.

“Corey is a guy who brings a ton of energy to the rink,” Brown shared. “He’s a player who knows how to get under the skin of the other team. He’s been around for a long time, and he has that veteran presence that can really impact a game. But sometimes, you see those moments where he’s doing a little bit more than just playing physical. It can get a little heated when he’s on the ice, and not everyone likes the way he plays. But you can’t deny his skill or the way he impacts a game when he’s at his best.”

Brown’s take on Perry highlights the duality of the forward’s playing style. While Perry is undoubtedly a skilled player, he often operates in a manner that can generate tension. Brown’s comments reflect a level of respect for Perry’s ability to agitate and play with edge, but there is also an acknowledgment that his style of play doesn’t always sit well with others in the league. In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, this combination of respect for a player’s skill and wariness about their tactics is something many players face when dealing with Perry.

Jordan Binnington: The Goalie with a Temper

On the other end of the spectrum, Jordan Binnington is a player whose reputation has been shaped by his fiery temperament and the intense emotional energy he brings to the crease. As the starting goaltender for the St. Louis Blues, Binnington has become known for his high-octane style of play, which is often coupled with a short fuse when it comes to opponents. His passionate, sometimes unpredictable nature has led to multiple altercations on the ice, further solidifying his image as a goaltender who is as much about theatrics as he is about stopping pucks.

Binnington’s rise to fame came during the 2018-2019 season when he helped lead the Blues to a Stanley Cup victory, capping off a remarkable rookie campaign with a series of clutch performances. Despite his success, Binnington’s brash personality has often been a point of contention for fans and players. Whether it’s taunting opponents after making a big save or getting into heated verbal exchanges with players on the opposing team, Binnington has become known for his emotional, at times over-the-top, reactions.

Binnington’s antics have resulted in several on-ice altercations, including multiple scrums and incidents where he’s been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. His propensity to get involved in the drama of a game has often led to him being a polarizing figure in the league—loved by his own fans, but often despised by the opposition.

Connor Brown’s Take on Jordan Binnington

When asked about Binnington, Brown’s response was one of both admiration and caution. Brown acknowledged Binnington’s talent but also recognized that the goaltender’s fiery nature could sometimes lead to volatile situations.

“Binnington is a great goaltender,” Brown said. “You don’t win a Cup without being able to make big saves in pressure situations. He’s emotional, and sometimes that works for him, but it can also be a double-edged sword. There are moments when his emotions get the best of him, and that’s when things can get ugly. But you have to respect his ability to bounce back after those moments and still be one of the toughest guys to beat in the league.”

Brown’s comments reflect the understanding that Binnington’s emotional demeanor has both positive and negative effects. His passion and energy can certainly elevate the Blues, but it can also lead to moments of frustration, both for him and for his team. Brown’s insight paints Binnington as a competitor who thrives in the heat of the moment but occasionally lets his emotions get the best of him—something that is not uncommon for many players in the league.

The Role of Leadership and Player Development

Both Corey Perry and Jordan Binnington, despite their controversial and sometimes polarizing reputations, have carved out a place for themselves in the NHL. Players like Perry have had to balance their aggressive styles with their undeniable skill, while goaltenders like Binnington have had to learn how to channel their emotions into on-ice performances that will ultimately benefit their teams. For a player like Connor Brown, who thrives on consistency and discipline, the experiences with these players provide a reminder of the complexities of professional hockey.

In reflecting on his opinions regarding Perry and Binnington, Brown highlights a key aspect of professional sports: the balancing act between passion and control. Both Perry and Binnington, in their own ways, epitomize the duality that exists in the NHL. As much as players like Brown value discipline and consistency, they also understand that the league is made up of a wide array of personalities. It’s those very personalities—whether they are combative, fiery, or edgy—that help make the NHL the dynamic and thrilling league it is.