User:Bobskin411

EA Sports NHL General Manger Career

Brennen (Bobskin) Wilhemus Antonio (Anthony) Willemsen Is a professional EA Sports NHL Video Gamer and is currently serving as a General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. Brennen Willemsen is a 5 time Stanley Cup winning Champion in games EA NHL 10, 12 and 14 serving for the Pittsburgh Penguins on 2 separate occasions, one being in NHL 10 and the other NHL 12. He has won twice with the Washington Capitals also on two separate occasions one being in NHL 12 and the other NHL 14. Brennen proved his value as a General Manager in years 2009 to 2011 before winning the Stanley Cup for the fifth time in his career and second time as acting General Manager of the Washington Capitals.

Pittsburgh Penguins/Washington Capitals Early Years

Brennen started his career as a scout with the Pittsburgh Penguins until he was named assistant General Manager of the club in 2007 until 2011 when he left to sign a one year deal with the Capitals. Brennen was apart of 2 Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh until eventually signing with the Capitals. Brennen lead the Capitals to a Stanley Cup in 2012 as he pulled off quiet deals such as trading Karl Alzner and Mathieu Perrault to the Red Wings for veteran winger Johan Franson. Brennen signed Alexi Kovalev to a 2 year deal average annaul salary of US $2.5 million, then he brought in Sergei Federov, Artem Anisimov and Alexander Radulov into the organization. Brennen traded away Ilya Bryzgalov and Sergei Bobrovsky and he brought in young rookie Marcus Johannson as a forth line center permanently.

Stint with Carolina

Brennen is known for winning the Stanley Cup in 2013 with the Carolina Hurricanes, being a struggling franchise despite originally having a talented team including Captain Eric Staal and brother Jordan. Brennen was made famous when he signed Alexander Frolov and Nikolay Zheredev to identical 5 year 25 million dollar contracts. Which ultimately turned the franchise around when earlier that season, they were traded to the capitals for streaky forward Mike Riberio, who was a skilled top six forward who instantly found chemistry with second line forward Jordan Staal. Riberio was a popular icon in carolina until he aswell ended up being traded to the Minnesota Wild for lead leading scorer Zack Parize. The trade included Carolina's first round selection in the 2014 draft to be sent to Minnesota along with Riberio and a conditional third round pick. Brennen received a lot of media criticism for the blockbuster deal. This trade also meant that Skinner would play with Jordan which would ultimately demote the streaky 19 year old 30 plus goal scorer. However, Parise then got injured despite having a 3 assist debut playing with Captain Eric Staal and Russian forward superstar Alexander Semin. Parize came back in time for the playoffs before leading the hurricanes to a Stanley Cup and a Conn Smythe award. Later in the off season, Brennen traded the rights to Tim Gleason and Jiri Tlusty, who were two key players in the playoffs, to Nashville for American Olympian Ryan Suter. Shortly after, Brennen traded Joni Pitkanen to Washington for Norris Trophy finalist Mike Green. A big reason for the deal was that Ryan Suter and Mike Green along with Alex Semin, were all pending unrestricted free agents. Brennen then gave them mid term extensions at identical five year 28.5 million dollar contract extensions. Suter and Green were then an elite paring and had great chemistry. Alexander Semin, Captain Eric Staal and former Conn Smythe trophy winner and Alternative Captain Zack Parize, formed an elite line that was referred to as the "A" line by the New York post, because it the line featured an American, Russian and Canadian. Jeff Skinner, Jordan Staal and Johan Franson were an elite second line that dominated even strength play. The Carolina Hurricanes were then re-established as an elite team in the National Hockey league.

NHL 14 Present

With the NHL 12 contract expiring, this made acting Hurricanes General Manager Brennen Willemsen eligible to sign with any team with the new release of EA Sports NHL 14. Brennen then signed a 3 year contract with the Washington Capitals in a new deal with newly released EA NHL 14. Brennen was immediately elected as Team President of Hockey Operations and Official General Manager. Being on his second stint with the capitals on whom he won the cup with and also just came off a Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes. The expectation was set very high for Brennen, but Brennen said quote on quote: "I completely understand the situation here in D.C, but as a GM, you have to take winning sacrifices in order to succeed for the present time and more importantly the future". Though Brennen's GM reputation was relatively good, Brennen's desire to not hesitate trading newly signed free agents, meant that free agents hesitated to sign with him. Examples include the Frolov-Zherdev combo, Andrei Kostitsyn who was then traded to Pittsburgh for Brandon Sutter who played an important role in the Hurricane Cup win with line mates Eric Christensen and Maxime Talbot. With in the first couple of days in his second stint with Washington, media was all over Brennen about Martin Erat who had previously asked for a trade out of D.C but never got traded. Brennen just played it cool and was very calm about the controversy telling reporters that "We would have to see what happens, and if Erat proves his value, we will keep his services". The expectation for Brennen was to make another blockbuster deal, although Erat getting traded ended up being true.

The Reconstruction of the Capitals

Though the roster from 2012 to 2014 was completely different, in his first stint with Washington, he found ways to improve his squad by making the team 86% Russian including Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, Artem Anisimov, Sergei Federov, Alex Radulov, Alex Burmistrov, Dmitry Orlov, Viktor Kozlov, Sergei Gonchar, Fedor Tyutin, Envir Lisin, Nikita Nikitin. Goalies Sergei Bobrovsky, Semyon Varlamov, Ilya Bryzgalov though Holtby was the starter, and Captain Alexi Kovalev. This Russian packed roster was famous for winning the cup with 16 active russian players in a single roster. A key part to the victory, was duo Alex Ovechkin and Niklas Backstrom, also Artem Anisimov and Sergei Federov, later was named the best duo in modern NHL history. They played a huge role in the Stanley Cup win. Brennen made his first big move in attempt to trade Erat to the Blue Jackets for Jack Johnson and former Capital Artem Anisimov, the deal sent Erat, Troy Brouwer and a fourth round pick in 2014 NHL Draft, in exchange for Jack Johnson, Artem Anisimov and Nikita Nikitin. Brennen then immediately signed the two KHL unrestricted free agents of Nikola Zherdev and Alexander Frolov to NHL deals, Zherdev's was a seven year contract with an average annual salary of US $750,000 and Frolov's was a three year contract with an average annual salary of US $775,000. Immediately following the signing's, Brennen traded longtime heart and soul Capital Brooks Laigh along with Eric Fehr, to the Rival Penguins, for Brandon Sutter, Jussi Jokinen and Matt D'Agostini. After that trade, the media was all over Brennen about the trade and how big of a difference the roster was. Brennen needed a second line centre, and needed size up front if they were going to make it far into the playoffs. With no hesitation at all, just 4 games later, Brennen traded newly acquired Sutter and a first round selection into the 2015 NHL Draft to the Rangers, in exchange for Derick Brassard, Derick Stepan, and Mats Zuccarello. This was a huge trade for Washington as all three of the newly acquired players played key roles in the Cup win. In order to free up cap space, Brennen traded away Jason Chimera and Joel Ward to the Avalanche for low Draft picks. With a entire different looking team, Brennen was confident that the team would succeed. As the year rolled on, the Capitals were leading the league in scoring with help from Alex Ovechkin getting 82 goals in 75 games, and Mike Green tallying career numbers as he one the Norris Trophy and lead all NHL defense men in scoring with 37 goals. Brennen was looking for a depthy defensive forward, when he sent Aaron Volpatti to the Canucks in exchange for Mike Santorelli and a third round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Though Niklas Backstrom was plagued with injuries all year, the Capitals still ended up with the leagues most power play goals and even strength goals, securing the presidents trophy.

2014 Playoffs and Stanley Cup Win

Brassard took a heavy hit and was injured for all the playoffs. The Capitals then beat the Red Wings in five games. The next series versus rival Pittsburgh was a win in seven games, as it was the highest scoring series is NHL history as Pittsburgh beat the capitals in game six by a score of nine to seven. Next was the Tampa Bay Lightning, which also went to seven games. Derick Stepan and Artem Anisimov played unbelievable as they emerged with 7 short handed goals. Then came they finals against the Blackhawks, the Capitals emerged victorious as they swept them in four games. Anisimov went on to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

2014 Offseason

At the 2013 NHL Draft, Brennen traded Derick Stepan to the Los Angeles Kings, in exchange for a 2014 First Round Selection and a 2015 First round selection in the NHL Draft. Brennen spoke to the media and added: "If you can win a cup and then get two additional first rounders, that's ideal for a successful franchise". Brennen later suggested that: "With the free cap space, we might be in luck to find a replacement for Stepan, though we all know his performance in last year's Cup run was perfect". Brennen followed the off season of very smoothly, signing 30 plus goal scorer Milan Michalik to a 4 year contract with an annual salary of US $5.856,000. It was evident that the signing was to stabilize the soon to be struggling second line without Stepan. The first year of the third line of Frolov, Zherdev and Anisimov was a failure offensively but they came back in year two after a strong playoff performance.

Goalie Exchange

Holtby who did ultimately win the Cup both times under Brennen's Capitals, he struggled and if they lost the playoffs, it would have been blamed on him. Reports said that Holtby asked for a trade due to family issues and the relationship he had with Brennen. Holtby was traded to Colorado in exchange for former Capital goaltender, Semyon Varlamov.

2014-2015 Season

After a very successful first season, the caps came back roaring after the playoffs. Mike Green was healthy all year and put up 60 goals and 74 assists. Backstrom put up 40 goals and 95 assists. The offence had no problem scoring even strength and on the power play. However, Jack Johnson and Green were no clicking, Alzner and Carlson were playing terrible. A change had to be made quickly in the top four defence. Brennen needed a top four big strong defensive defence man. Struggling Carlson was dealt along with former first rounder Sam Bennett, to Colorado for Erik Johnson. Brennen explained: "We believe this trade will stabilize our blue line and make us stronger". Erik was then paired with former Olympic team mate and countryman Jack Johnson. They formed the best D-paring in the NHL. After a very strong season that had the capitals once again in number one in the league and had a second consecutive Presidents Trophy, Deadline Day arrived, Brennen was relatively quiet until he acquired additional playoff depth in a backup goalie and a seventh defence man. Brennen traded Ryan O'Byrne and a former second round pick Madison Bowey, to the hurricanes for Anton Khudobin and Sheldon Souray. On Souray's debut, he was paired with Mike Green, Karl Alzner who was initially Green's D partner, was scratched. Souray had a three point night and his heavy slapshot was an asset that Washington and more importantly Norris Trophy winner Mike Green, found it useful. Backstrom said in an interview that Souray's slapper is a valuable asset going forward and could be a factor in the playoffs.

2015 Playoffs

Sheldon Souray was a popular topic for the Capitals as they were going into there sixth consecutive playoff appearance. The Capitals in which they won there second consecutive presidents trophy, were set to face the eighth seeded Buffalo Sabres. Sheldon Souray scored the first goal for the Capitals in the 2015 post season as they would go on to beat the sabres in five games. The Capitals carried on to face the Hurricanes in the second round. In the first period of the first game's opening shift, Hurricane Captain Eric Staal recklessly knee on knee collided with Washington Norris Trophy Winner Mike Green. Green's offensive role played a significant difference for the Caps and the loss of him hurt the Capitals bad as the power play and even strength goals went down by 24%. Moments later, Eric Staal collided with Capital forward Derrick Brassard as he as well was done for the year. Game 1 was taken by the capitals in a 6-5 victory as they still managed to sweep the Hurricanes and go to the Conference Final. Washington went on to face the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second year in a row as last year went to seven games and went to 5-5 overtime by which the eventual game winning goal scorer was Artem Anisimov who went on to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. But unfortunately the Capitals glorious run had came to an end in another game seven 5-5 overtime as Brett Connolly scored on the power play to defeat the Capitals. The lightning went on to lose to the Los Angelas Kings in five games. Souray was a non-factor in the post season as he put up five goals and added one assist in 15 playoff appearances.

2015 Off-Season

Brennen was busy this off season, he signed franchise player Mike Green to an eight year average annual salary worth US $8.5 million dollars. To free up cap space, Brennen traded struggling winger Milan Michalich to the Pittsburgh Penguins for young winger Beau Bennett. Then Brennen was able to sign Marcus Johansson to a three year average annual salary of US $7,000,000.

The Meltdown

The start of the 2015-16 season was a disaster “monumental collapse” as what the New York post posted. Struggling Alex Ovechkin failed to lead his team as both Mike Green and Niklas Backstrom got back to back post concussion syndrome like symptoms all through the year. The Capitals went from a back to back Presidents Trophy Winners, to a team who desperately wanted the eighth seed going into the 2016 NHL Playoffs. After making no trades at the Trade Deadline, Brennen spoke to the media saying that: “I think we have to step up and put ourselves into top gear without dwelling on changes”. Brennen was criticized as the capitals failed to make the playoffs.

The Starting of a New Beginning With the New York Islanders

In the 2012-13 off-season, Brennen Signed an 8 year contract with the New York Islanders Organization to be the General Manager though he rejected the proposal to be elected as Team President of Hockey Operations. Brennen told the media he had to focus at one thing at a time and knew that the current positioning of the franchise was to be in the rebuilding phase though a centre piece in John Tavares was the only good thing going for them at the time.

2013-14 Season

With the KHL going completely bankrupt do to a lockout and lack of collective bargaining agreements, this meant that KHL stars in Ilya Kovalchuck and Alexander Radulov came available as unrestricted free agents. With the Islanders with US $20,000,000 plus in cap space, Brennen came through with a deal that signed Ilya Kovalchuck to a seven year deal worth 84 million and 12 million each year as an average annual cap hit. Brennen also signed Derek Roy to a two year deal 6.5 AAV and Mike Ribeiro to a 3 year 6 million AAV. As the season rolled along, the islanders struggled although Brennen was busy trading: Ribeiro, Nelson and Okposo to Anaheim for Colgliano, Fowler and two first round picks into the 2015 and 2016 NHL Drafts. Another notable trade that Brennen made was sending Derek Roy, Andrew Colgliano and Jay Finley to Philadelphia in exchange for Jakub Voracek, Vincent Lecalvier, Steve Downie, and a second and third round pick going into the 2015 NHL Draft. Brennen then traded Frans Nielson and Casey Cizikas to Columbus in exchange for Ryan Johannson and Blake Comeu. At the trade deadline, Brennen traded the Norris Trophy winning defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky to the Penguins for Lee Stempniak and Marcel Goc. The year was over as the Islanders missed the playoffs although Ilya Kovalchuck led the league in scoring with 65 goals, 123 points along with the Hart, Ted Lindsey and Art Ross Trophies.

“First Off-Season and 2014-15 Season”

Brennen immdediatly signed Sergei Kostistyen to a five year deal worth US $5.672 million AAV. At the trade deadline, Brennen traded Eric Gyba (who was acquired the previous spring in exchange for Nikolai Kulemin) to Arizona in exchange for Mikael Boedker. The Islanders made the playoffs though they lost in the second round to Montreal in five games after a seven game series win against buffalo.

“2015-16 Season”

Brennen traded Sergei Kostistyen, Restricted Free Agent Jake Muzzin (who was acquired two years before in exchange for Grabovski) Vincent Lecalvier, a first round pick into the 2017 NHL Draft and Nik Antropov (who was a free agent acquisition the year before) to buffalo for former first overall pick Aaron Ekblad, Ryan Strome, Ville Leino and Justin Williams. The Islanders failed to make the playoffs.

Dream Draft

The Islanders had the first overall pick and drafted Connor Mcdavid first overall.

Off-Season and 2016-17 Season

Brennen traded Ilya Kovalchuck and Travis Hamonic to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Oliver Ekman Larsson and two first round picks. At the trade deadline, Brennen acquired Sami Vatenen to bring defensive strength to help further a playoff push although he missed the entire duration of the playoffs due to a concussion he suffered on his seventh game as an islander, by a hit from Minnesota’s Matt Cook. Cook was fined US $200,000 and suspended 38 games as a blind side hit to the head. Brennen did not comment on the hit.

2017 Playoffs

After beating the Rangers in game seven in the first round, Connor Mcdavid Suffered from post concussion Syndrome after taking a hit to the head of rangers d-man Ryan Mcdonugh who was not suspended. Brennen called out Mcdonough as a cruel player who is cowardly and plays a reckless game. Mcdavid was unable to play in the remainder of the playoffs along with Sami Vatenen. The Islanders were beaten by the Capitals in five games in the second round.

Resignation

Brennen resigned as General Manager for the Islanders as NHL 14 officially came to an end.

NHL 15 Next Generation

NHL 15 brings a whole new generation of gaming to NHL hockey and to the EA Sports NHL Franchise. Brand new state of the art technology “changes everything” as Brennen was happy to announce on September 9th of 2014.

Brennen started out his off season as General Manager in his third tenure with Washington by firstly stating that his commitment to the “Talented Trio” has never been stronger and Brennen well reinforced that none of the three core pieces in Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green and Alexander Ovechkin are on the trade market and are likely never to be. A TSN reporter asked Brennen “If there was anything you said to the media about something that you regret, what would it be?” Brennen said it was calling out Bob Murray for not making a trade with him, at the time I was very frustrated however what I didn't see was that this job is very hard and me making his job harder doesn’t help anyone out so I apologize and respect his decision then and whatever decision in the future that he makes.

2014-15

Brennen traded Joel Ward for a First Round Selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Then traded newly long term signed Matt Niskanen to the Ottawa Senators for 2 Second Round Picks. Brennen traded Troy Brouwer to the Flyers for the rights to Mark Streit at the 2014 Draft earlier, but Streit refused to sign a contract with Washington so Brennen traded the rights to Mark Streit along with Justin Peters, Andrei Loktionov, a first round pick in 2016 and a second round pick in 2016 to Carolina in exchange for Alexander Semin and Tim Gleason. Brennen signed Daniel Alfredsson to a one year contract worth US $1,000,000. Brennen quietly acquired rights to Winnipeg's Alexander Burmistrov in exchange for a condtional fourth round pick into the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Brennen stated half way through the season that the depth reconstruction is not finished and We as an Organization are still open to making trades. With Holtby underachieving and the capitals unable to generate momentum through a 24-19-8 sub par record, Brennen traded Holtby to Philadephia for another first round pick into 2015 and then traded top prospect Andre Burakovsky and Dmitry Orlov to Florida for Goalie Roberto Luongo. At the deadline and the capitals struggling to maintain the eighth seed in the East to qualify a playoff spot, Brennen looked for playoff rentals to further a playoff push and acquired: Conn Smythe winner in 2012 Anisimov, Tyutin, Frolic and Mike Richards. Brennen gave up Brooks Laigh, Chimera, Gleason and a first rounder in 2019 to go along with additional low draft picks.

Playoffs The post season was a huge disappointment as the caps lost in six games to the penguins in the second round of the playoffs. Although Mike Richards leader ship and defensive abilities were outstanding and Anisimov's ability to score short handed goals and even dropping the gloves against buffalo's Chris Stewart proved to be the only upsides. Luongo struggled immensely and the capitals stars were unable to produce at the rate the season went. Ovechkin lead the league with 64 goals and 120 points despite only 9 points in 10 playoff games (5 of 9 points were on the power play).

Off Season and 2015 Draft

Brennen decided he needed to get younger so he traded Luongo back to Florida for Aleksander Barkov. Columbus had the first overall selection in the draft and traded that pick to Washington for Mike Richards and Artem Anisimov. Brennen then traded Alzner Wilson and Fehr to Winnipeg for the second overall pick. Brennen selected Connor Mcdavid and Mathew Barzal with the 2 draft choices. Brennen then acquired Jacob Trouba for low draft picks and also added Chris Stewart for Michael Frolic.

2015-16 Season

The season was more of a struggle for the capitals however they made the playoffs for the 6th seed. At the deadline Brennen added Niklas Hjalmarsson for a first Rounder in 2017. However the capitals playoffs hopes came to another halt as they were beaten in 5 games to the New York Rangers.

'''Disappointing Playoffs” After the capitals team struggled to beat the 4th seeded islanders in the first round, the blue jackets pounded the capitals and beat them in 5 games.

Another Off Season

Brennen acquired Andre Burakovsky back along with Brad Richardson from Florida in exchange for Alex Semin, Chris Stewart and a third round pick in 2022.

The most controversial trade yet was trading 2 time Stanley cup winner both with Brennen, Marcus Johannson to Anaheim for offensive defence man Cam Fowler who had a carear high 61 points the year before.

2016-17 Season

Brennen traded Carlson, Krug, Richardson and a third round pick to Edmonton for Yakupov (rental), a first round pick and Justin Schultz who went on to have a career high 62 points that season. Cam Fowler was a miss as he posted career lows in points with 25 although the year before in Anaheim he had 56 points. Fowler found himself in the press box and as a bottom line defenseman through out the season. Johannson wasn't much better in Anaheim has his play declined.

Brennen made another big trade through the season as he traded Burmistrov and Mathias to Nashville for Forsberg and Gaustad.

At the Deadline, Brennen claimed Derek Roy off waivers from Nashville and acquired Brad Boyes from Florida in order to regain chemistry on a line in Florida he had with Andre Burakovsky and Aleksander Barkov. Derek Roy exploded and finished the post season with 13 points in 10 games although he missed game seven of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals against the Penguins due to crashing face first into the borads as he and Crosby had a violent collision on the Washington back check. The Capitals went on to lose to Pittsburgh as the penguins went on to win the Stanley Cup. The Capitals lost 4-1 in game seven as Connor Mcdavid had the sol goal for the caps. Connor Mcdavid lead all players in the league with 117 points.

Off Season

Even without Burmistrov, Russian Talent was still there on the roster, including Ovechkin, Yakupov, recently signed goalie Bobrovsky, Radulov and Kuznetsov however the capitals playoff runs have been short lived thanks to Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay.

Brennen traded Hjalmarsson, Gaustad, Kuznetsov, rights to Jake Muzzin, Smid, Colborne and Mathew Barzal in a hugely constructive off season although they got beat by the champions in seven games. Brennen brought back in some familiar faces and some new faces in Alzner, Hillen, King, Laigh and Joel Ward. Brennen explained “Bringing in guys who know our system and can provide leadership and depth, are the kinda guys we have to have to win nowadays, its not all offensive fire power, its all about a good balance.”

One of the biggest questions in the off season was what to do with hugely struggling Cam Fowler who of course Brennen gave up a lot for in Johannson. ''The value in return we could have got for him was ugly, we may as well try to work with him, and if he really wants to be traded, then he has to prove he has value.”

2017-18 Season and Conference Finals Disappointment A glorious ride came to an end in D.C for Brennen. Despite Connor Mcdavid finishing the 2018 post season with 24 points 17 games, the New York Islanders ended the capitals season in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Tampa Bay Lightning

With Brennen's contract with Washington ending, Brennen signed a 1 year deal with Tampa Bay despite Washington's best efforts to re-sign him, Ted Leonsis publicly announcing that they offered Brennen an annual salary of 12.5 million for the next 3 years. Brennen was looking for a job with an even shorter term one in Tampa Bay. Brennen stated his days in D.C may not be completely over... Brennen brought 2 of his insider analysts in Mathew Taylor and Bradley Holland with him to Tampa. Brennen's main scout Thomas Casey was also brought over to Tampa.

For the 2014-15 season with Tampa Bay, this was the first year Stamkos was without World Class talent playing with him. Stamkos being the Franchise player for Tampa Bay, Brennen knew he had to do whatever he could to support his best player. Brennen cleared cap space by shipping out Garrison and Stralman and then made the biggest off season trade since trading Marcus Johansson away. Brennen sent Ryan Callahan and Rafael Gudas to Colorado for Erik Johnson, Milan Hejda and draft picks. Erik Johnson being a familiar player for Brennen as it was anticipated this trade was for getting Victor Hedman an elite level defence partner. With over 12 million dollars in cap space, and with the KHL crumbling, Brennen signed Ilya Kovalchuck to a 1 year deal worth US $7,775,000 AAV. 29 other General Managers had to approve of this signing since Kovalchuck was still under contract in the KHL. Brennen signed Sabotka, Burmistrov and Radulov to NHL contracts aswell as also claiming Derek Roy off waivers from Nashville as he did with Washington except this time hoping to reduce his role in order to keep him in the league longer and having him healthy. With Steve Yserman being promoted to Team President and President of Hockey operations, Brennen was a perfect fit as General Manager. Brennen sent Jonathan Drouin down to the Juniors after Drouin played in five games wit Tampa. Brennen stated that Tampa needed more leadership and experience so Brennen signed Simon Gagné to a 1 year deal. After placing Derek Roy on waivers Brennen claimed Mike Richards off waivers from St Louis who had signed him to a 1 year deal worth US $2,975,000. As the season rolled along injuries took there tool on top line winger Ondrei Polat who suffered back to back concussions. At the deadline Brennen acquired Chris Stewart for additional playoff depth although after sweeping the Philadelphia flyers in the first round, they were beat in 6 games by the Islanders in the second round.

Carolina Hurricanes Second Tenure

With Carolina's GM Jim Rutherford getting fired, Brennen and Hurricanes management came to an agreement on a 3 year deal with dollars up to 4.5 million dollars AAV. Brennen was willing to take a discount to sign with the franchise he has had the most success with. With the KHL folding, this made all KHL players available to sign with NHL teams. Brennen shipped out Juri Tlusty and brought in both Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn, Nikolay Zherdev, Alex Burmistrov, Nik Antropov and AHL leading scorer with Charlotte Checkers Evgenii Dadonov. Another interesting player was Erik Christensen who won the cup on the fourth line with Sutter and Talbot in 2012 with the hurricanes when Brennen was there. Brennen said they wanted more of a winning attitude to help out Eric and Jordan (Staal).