Troy Brouwer compares Flames to pre-Cup Blackhawks

Calgary Flames forward Troy Brouwer said his new team is similar to a former team that did great things.
"It reminds me of the really early years in Chicago," Brouwer told the Calgary Sun on Tuesday, referring to his time with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2006-11. "… The young bodies on [the Flames], the young kids, the way they play the game … with [Brian] Elliott in net, I feel we have an unbelievable goalie, with him and [Chad] Johnson. Our [defensemen] are absolutely phenomenal. We just have to make sure they have confidence to move the puck. The previous coaches have kind of hindered them a little bit.

"Then our forward group, young, lots of energy, lots of speed, lots of skill. It's going to be a fun group to play with."
Brouwer, 31, was part of the Blackhawks' 2010 Stanley Cup championship during his five seasons there. After stints with the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues, he signed a multiyear contract with the Flames on July 1.
During his time in Chicago, Brouwer was a complementary piece to a core that included forwards Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Now that he's more experienced, he expects to have an increased role with the Flames.
That could include a slot at right wing on the Flames' top line with center Sean Monahan and left wing Johnny Gaudreau (who is an unsigned restricted free agent).
"They told me a bunch of different players, so it could be on the top line with Monahan and Gaudreau," Brouwer said. "It could be with [Sam] Bennett. Like any coach, I'm sure I'm going to move around the lineup a little bit until we find something that fits perfectly. All the options are good options for me."