Though he hasn’t played since the 2019-20 season, and he’s still technically on Calgary Flames payroll, Troy Brouwer has announced his retirement. The veteran forward and St. Louis Blues issued a release that includes some of Brouwer’s most memorable moments, along with many thanks to the people that helped him along the way.
Brouwer, 36, was never even expected to make it to the NHL. Selected 214th overall in 2004, a few selections from what would be the end of the draft these days, the big winger was known more for his physical play than his offensive upside in his early junior days. That unquenchable work ethic and fearlessness eventually turned him into a star for the Moose Jaw Warriors, though, and then carried him right into success in professional hockey. Brouwer would score 41 goals in his first AHL season and 35 in his second, all while racking up more than 220 penalty minutes.
It wasn’t long before he was in the NHL, playing regular minutes for the Chicago Blackhawks. In 2010 he was a key part of the team’s Stanley Cup championship, but he would find himself shipped out of town as one of the group’s salary cup casualties. He still found success in Washington, posting a career-high 25 goals and 43 points in 2014-15. The same could be said about his short stint in St. Louis, before stops in Calgary and Florida.
In all, Brouwer will retire with 851 regular-season games under his belt, but 106 more in the postseason. His 182 goals and 363 career points are many more than anyone expected from the seventh-round pick, and a great example to show prospects who aren’t selected quite as high as they hoped.
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