Born in Southborough, Massachusetts, Brown spent four years at Boston College where he was named to the Hockey East second all-star team in 1985 and 1986. Following his senior year in 1985-86 he was signed by the New Jersey Devils. His solid work at both ends of the ice helped the Devils improve and come within one game of reaching the Stanley Cup final in 1988.

After spending parts of seven years with the close-checking Devils, Brown signed with the high-flying Pittsburgh Penguins in 1993. It came as no surprise that he set a personal best with 55 points but the Pens stumbled in the first round of the playoffs against the Washington Capitals.

Following the owners' lockout, Brown found a permanent home with the Detroit Red Wings when they claimed him on waivers in January 1995. The fast-paced but disciplined style of the club under Scotty Bowman was a perfect fit for Brown. He helped the team reach the finals in 1995 for the first time in 29 years. Through the remainder of the decade he was utilized in all situations as the Wings won consecutive Stanley Cups in 1997 and 1998. Following the second Cup win he was claimed in the expansion draft by the Nashville Predators but Detroit quickly sent Petr Sykora and two draft choices to them to retain Brown's services. His consistent play helped the Wings remain competitive and enter the 2001-02 season with a realistic chance at another Stanley Cup.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame