Before we get into the hockey thing – you’re a Toronto guy, have you caught Blue Jays Fever? You weren’t even alive the last time the Jays won the World Series.
Connor Brown: Big time, yeah. I’ve been following game by game. It’s pretty awesome to see how many weapons they have in their lineup right now. It’s entertaining to watch.
It’s funny, Connor, because everybody we ask – in the hockey world or any sport – who is in Canada – I’m talking across the country – they’re all saying the same thing. It’s kind of cool to see. Let’s take that back to the Leafs a little bit. Can you imagine what that would be like if you were on a Leafs team that, down the road, ended up doing pretty much the same thing the Blue Jays are doing.
Brown: It’d be pretty surreal. This city, they love their sports teams and they love to win. It’s pretty evident how backed the Toronto Blue Jays are right now because they’re doing so well. Obviously, to be a part of something like that would be awesome.
This is a pretty important summer for you. Aside from watching Blue Jays baseball, what have the Leafs had you up to specifically to try to make their club?
Brown: I’ve been working on putting on a couple pounds in the offseason. I feel like I’ve gotten bigger and stronger and a little faster. I feel like I’ve taken a couple steps in the right direction this summer and I’m excited for training camp.
What did you make of all the moves that have been going on down at MLSE? It’s not as if it’s been a quiet summer.
Brown: Yeah. There’s been guys coming and going. You see some friends go, too, and some new good players come in. It’s been crazy, but I think they have a real sense of direction with which way the team is headed and it’s exciting to be a part of.
What was your reaction when you found out Mike Babcock was going to be the Leafs coach?
Brown: I was pretty excited about it. His resume obviously speaks for itself, but if you want to play in the NHL you want to be on a winning club. I think he’s the best bet to do it behind the bench.
It’s training camp and there’s going to be surprises and hopefully for your sake you’re one of them – but in the event that you go back to the Toronto Marlies – I’ve said this before and I don’t think I’m alone in saying it – the Marlies might be the team to watch for the future of this club. If you do go back for a second year there, what do you think of that? Nylander might be there, Kapanen may be there; a whole bunch of guys that are really being defined, including yourself, as the future of this team. What do you make of that?
Brown: I think there is some massive steps forward last year during the season as it winded down. I think next year, you throw Kapanen and a couple of other key signings that we’ve made, there’s a lot of roster players. I think the Marlies will be a real good team to watch and I think they’ll be an exciting, skilled team. If I’m down there, I’ll be making the most of it. It’ll be good hockey.
