TJ Brodie, Re-Introducing Your Calgary Flames
By Len Nunes
Apr 9, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie (7) tangles with Los Angeles Kings right wing Marian Gaborik (12) during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames won 4-3 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas James Brodie was drafted in 2008 by our Calgary Flames in the fourth round. Much like the first player that was “re-introduced“, Brodie becomes an restricted free agent at the end of the 2014-15 season.
With 185 games played to his credit, TJ Brodie played 81 of those games last season. Brodie played a career high average of 24:04 minutes per game. Brodie collected 9 of his 31 points on special teams. One goal and six assists on the power play and two assists while on the penalty kill.
Here is the talent analysis from Hockey Futures on TJ Brodie from 2012:
"Brodie is a good puck moving defenseman with excellent skating skills while making on the tape outlet passes to his forwards. He has a hard, accurate shot from the point along with plenty of offensive upside to his game and can control the backend of the power play. The talented defenseman needs only to add more muscle mass to his light frame to play more physically in the defensive zone at the NHL level. He should challenge for a roster spot on the Flames’ blue line corps again this year."
Here is a more recent review from The Hockey News on TJ Brodie:
"Assets: Moves the puck well and is an even better skater–he’s fast and agile. Has intriguing offensive upside. Can run the power play for many years to come.Flaws: Needs to get physically stronger in order to win more battles at the NHL level. Also needs to focus and concentrate more when he’s in the game."
Well, I’m sold! What’s not to love about this guy? Getting physically stronger and staying more focused during games is called “maturing”. I’m 38 and still learning maturity, surely some slack should be given to the 24 year old defenseman. In my slowly getting educated mind, if the Calgary Flames can only sign one of their 2015-16 restricted free agents, TJ Brodie is that free agent!
What does the Flame For Thought family think the Flames should do with TJ Brodie and his impending free agency?