The NY Rangers are at that point in the offseason where they are adding on the fringes. In particular, hitting the bargain bin for depth players is a crucial task leading up to training camp.
The Rangers already added one crucial depth piece in Conor Sheary. He’s a good bottom-six forward and has a chance to make the team. Similarly, the Rangers could add another Sheary-like player to boost its defensive depth.
That player could be TJ Brodie. Brodie spent last season with the Chicago Blackhawks. But after a tough year in which he played 54 games, scoring two goals and 10 points, the Blackhawks bought out the final year of his contract.
But just two offseasons ago, Brodie was coming off a four-year, $20 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto decided to let Brodie walk in free agency. Unfortunately, he never really found his footing in Chicago.
Now, the Rangers have a unique opportunity to add a veteran depth blue liner at a reasonable cost. Like Sheary, the Rangers can bring in Brodie on a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO). If he makes the team, he can move on to a full-time NHL contract.
Otherwise, Brodie and the Rangers can shake hands and go their separate ways. It’s worth pointing out that Brodie is by no means a full-time NHL blue liner at this juncture in his career. At best, he’s a bottom-pairing blue line. He’s better suited for a seventh or eighth defenseman role.
That’s something the Rangers could use, especially with injuries always being a part of the game.
Rangers Could Benefit from Brodie’s Experience and Leadership
At 35, TJ Brodie has been in the NHL for quite some time. He’s played in nearly 1,000 NHL games and has put up a respectable 358 points in 962 NHL games.
He was a longtime defense partner of former Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano in Calgary. Brodie joined the Maple Leafs as the then-young Core Four was beginning to take off.
But now, Brodie is more of an elder statesman who can offer mentorship and support to younger up-and-coming players. He could also fit in well with the Rangers’ veteran core. Players like Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck could get along quite well with Brodie.
If anything, adding TJ Brodie is like a corporation’s board bringing in an older business executive to improve its credibility.
That’s what TJ Brodie can do for the Rangers if they bring him in.
Fans Shouldn’t Expect Miracles from Brodie
Unfortunately, the bar is pretty low for TJ Brodie. Even if he makes the team out of camp, he wouldn’t crack the Opening Night lineup. He’ll most likely sit in the press box the bulk of his time with the Rangers.
Then again, having a player like Brodie as injury insurance is highly useful. He could even get into games here and there when regular blue liners are banged up or just need a break. He won’t turn heads, but he’ll provide steady play in the lineup.
If the Rangers can land Brodie on a league-minimum, two-way deal, he’ll be worth the risk. If things don’t work out, it won’t cost the team anything to give TJ Brodie another kick at the NHL can.
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