Is T.J. Brodie Moved as Maple Leafs Reshape Their Blue Line?

TJ Brodie is arguably the Maple Leafs’ best defensive defenseman, so why is there talk of trading him this season? In the final year of his contract, T.J. Brodie’s $5 million cap hit is creating intrigue in Toronto, a team where cap space is tight, and where the player has a bit of a history with the new general manager.

Speculation of a potential trade is twofold. First, as the Maple Leafs try to win but also ensure they don’t lose players without a prosperous return, Brodie falls into the category of someone to watch because he’s a pending unrestricted free agent after the season. Second, speculation stems from Brodie’s arrival in Toronto after Flames GM Brad Treliving allowed the skilled defenseman to leave Calgary for free agency.

While Treliving typically favors larger, more physical defensemen, that’s not exactly Brodie’s style. Luke Fox of Sportsnet writes, “Treliving prefers his bluelines big and bullish, yet Brodie is the best pure defender on Toronto’s back end.” He’s got a lot of what teams want, maybe just not what Treliving wants.

Still, while Fox has heard trade whispers among Leafs Nation, the scribe notes, “I’d argue that the Leafs need more Brodie, not less.” In fact, Brodie’s defensive prowess sets him apart as one of Toronto’s top defenders.