Chicago Blackhawks: Solving the Enigma That Is Troy Brouwer

The Chicago Blackhawks have a decision to make concerning forward Troy Brouwer. 

Before that happens, it would be nice if the 'Hawks could form a clear cut idea about what they have in the 25-year old left wing.

Based on Brouwer's play, that has yet to be determined.

Is he a power forward capable of scoring 25 goals in a top-six role? Or is he a third or fourth-line banger who is prone to hot and cold streaks?

The difference between how Brouwer, other NHL teams and Blackhawks management view him may very well be the deciding factor in whether the RFA stays with the team this summer.

Brouwer looked to be in prime position to earn a big raise from someone this summer going into the season. After a 22-goal, 40 point season in 2009-10, Brouwer had two memorable streaks that tells you about the type of player Brouwer has been.

The first streak was a twelve-game goal-less run to open the season. He got the goose egg out of the stat column with a nice move to the net against Minnesota, but the goal was his only one in the 'Hawks first 21 games.

Over the season's next 36 games, Brouwer began to show some touch, hitting for 16 goals and eight assists. His goal on February 16, again against the Wild, was the game winner in Chicago's 3-1 decision.

It was also Brouwer's final goal of the season.

Brouwer managed three assists over his last 22 games before injuring his shoulder in Montreal, ending his regular season with 17 goals and 19 assists.

Back on February 6, I wrote the following about Brouwer:

"After a slow start this season, the 25-year-old Brouwer has become a top six mainstay and has provided tough, physical play. Despite not scoring his first goal of the season until the season's 13th game, he is on pace for career highs in both goals and assists. He also leads the team with 173 hits, a total that is good enough for fifth in the NHL right now."

"Brouwer has settled into the top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and has embraced the role of power forward. The organization has had to nudge him in this direction on occasion, but over the last two seasons, Brouwer has begun to realize that being physical and taking the puck to the net will pay off for him on the score sheet."

"At times in his Chicago tenure, Brouwer has had confidence issues. As he nears completion of his third season as a full-time NHL player, he seems to be trusting in his abilities on the ice."

At that point, I thought Brouwer was in line for a big raise. Three months later, it's hard to believe this is the same player. Or maybe it's not. 

Brouwer has swung back and forth from one extreme to the other throughout his NHL career.

Brouwer still wound up with the fifth-highest hit total in the NHL with 262, and that total led the team. He spent time up and down the lineup and kept throwing himself around the ice. He played the playoff series with a banged up shoulder.

Brouwer has plenty of positives to offer the Blackhawks. The question comes with the price tag attached to the talent.

At anything under $2 million a year, Brouwer is a valuable piece that can be used anywhere in the lineup. It would be nice if he could find a home on a line, but if the price is reasonable he can help the 'Hawks in numerous spots.

The closer the numbers approach the $3 million mark, the more likely the Hawks have decided the following:

1. Brouwer is top-six material and is going to be used primarily on the top two lines.

2. A less expensive option on the bottom two lines is needed.

Brouwer's play hasn't given us a definitive answer in this regard, though his inconsistency suggests that only a modest raise would be on the 'Hawks agenda ($5 million over three years).

The X-factor in Brouwer's future in Chicago lies in the value the rest of the league places on him.   A player like Brouwer might be viewed as potential top-line power forward. Another team may pay for the potential he brings to the table.

If that comes in the form of an offer sheet, it would be hard to think Chicago would match. 

I think the 'Hawks will try to get Brouwer signed to a two or three year deal. Brouwer hasn't proved he can fill a top-six role over the course of a full season, so I believe Chicago will negotiate as long as the price doesn't creep to high.

Leaving us to wonder whether Brouwer belongs at the top or the bottom of the lineup. Is he a potential stalwart at power forward or bottom-line grinder?

Perhaps someone will unlock the mystery next season.