"We were looking for a guy like that," Kitchener general manager Mike McKenzie said. "A big, offensive center that could go up against pretty much any line or center in the league.
"Coming off the injury, it took him a little time to get back into game shape and get comfortable with his new surroundings. But once he did and once we got into the playoffs, he played real well for us and was a key part of our offensive attack."
There will be an opportunity for Brown to make his mark with the Senators after their disappointing season led to them trading some veteran players, including center Derick Brassard to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 23, which could provide an opening in the lineup Brown can take advantage of.
"I know that's his goal for sure," McKenzie said. "To play there and be with that team in Ottawa instead of having to spend time in the American [Hockey] League.
"It's up to him to run with it. He's definitely got the vision, hockey sense and playmaking ability to do that. But for big guys, the question has always been, 'Can they keep up with the pace of an NHL game?'"
Brown, the son of Jeff Brown, who played 13 NHL seasons as a defenseman, is also intrigued by the possibility of playing with an old friend, forward Brady Tkachuk, who Ottawa selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
"We used to play on the same line together (with the St. Louis Junior Blues)," Brown said. "We were best friends back in the day. … Hopefully we get a chance to play together this year."