Calgary Flames defenseman T.J. Brodie has been climbing the Flames’ depth charts over the last few seasons and that culminated in his recently inked two-year, $4.25 million contract.
He scored two goals and 14 points in 47 games last season while averaging 20:13 minutes per contest. He turned 23 in June, so this new deal can be seen as a “show me” contract. If he proves over the next two campaigns that he’s worthy of a top-four role, then his next contract could be far more lucrative.
“It’s a contract I can grow into,” he said, according to the Flames’ website. “Hopefully I can play well the next couple of years and prove that I can play and be a good defenseman for the team.”
He realizes that he’ll have to earn his top-four spot all over again, but he’s in a good position to do that, especially due to the departure of Jay Bouwmeester. After Calgary traded Bouwmeester on April 1, Brodie’s playing time skyrocketed to the point where he was averaging 23:25 minutes per game in April.
