Photo credit: Toronto Star
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman confirmed to be leaving the team
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman TJ Brodie is on an expiring contract this summer and it is now believed that he will not be getting a contract offer from the team.
The latest report comes from Maple Leafs writer Luke Fox, who believes Brad Treliving will not be extending the contract of the 33-year-old blueliner. Brodie is a veteran of more than 900 NHL games, 274 of which have come with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The rest of his experience came with the Calgary Flames, Brad Treliving's former club."For the second time in four summers, Treliving will let T.J. brodie walk away from his roster in free agency."
Brodie still put up respectable numbers this season, potting just one goal, but recording 26 points. However, penalties became more of an issue for the blueliner this season and giveaways remained a problem. Additionally, he seemed to lose a step this season as father time reared his head on Brodie's career.
That being said, Brodie has always been one of the classiest players in the NHL, let alone on the Leafs. He will be fondly remembered by the fanbase as a stalwart two-way defender, even if he did fall off in his last season with the team. There have already been many heartfelt messages for him on social media.
TJ Brodie dealt with a family tragedy weeks before training camp began and it clearly derailed his season from the start. In the three seasons prior to that, though, he was one of the best shutdown D in the entire league & a legit top pair guy. Every team needs a Prime Brodie.
Per Dave Pagnotta it looks like the Leafs are moving on from TJ Brodie.
His stick and footwork in his earlier days were so exceptional. Here are some examples of it.
Wishing him all the best.
His stick and footwork in his earlier days were so exceptional. Here are some examples of it.
Wishing him all the best.
For all we know, this could be the end of Brodie's career as a player in the NHL. There may be interest around the league in him, but at 33 years old, who knows if he would even want to return for another campaign. Regardless of what he chooses, we will all be wishing him the best.
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