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With next to nothing happening in the hockey world this month, I thought this would be as good of a time as any to profile members of the Calgary Flames.
I'll be commenting on their performances last season as well as projected role and expectations moving forward.
I've profiled three Flames thus far, with Mikael Backlund being the most recent. Today we're going to take a closer look at T.J. Brodie.
Counting stats: 79 games played, 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists), 21:28 average time on ice
5v5 underlyings: .95 points/60, +2.85 CF% Rel, +4.13 GF% Rel, +.58 xGF% Rel, 1.013 PDO
2018-19 review: I think Rasmus Andersson's development, which rightfully has everyone excited, and the trade rumors surrounding T.J. Brodie have people kind of down on him. As a result, he's not getting enough credit for how strong of a season he just put together. I mean, he posted positive relative numbers across the board while playing for an elite team. In other words, there's a high bar to clear and Brodie did it (I realize he spent a lot of time with Mark Giordano). He also averaged .95 points per 60 at 5v5, which was the 2nd highest output of his career. I know there were a few bad games, and head scratching hiccups, along the way but the good far outweighed the bad. The 55.79 CF% and 57.63 GF% he posted at 5v5 were elite numbers and the best of his career. He mostly looked good, too. If the Flames were shallow on defense, or Brodie was signed long-term, I think he would be thought of a lot differently right now. He's a victim of circumstance.
Fun fact: Only 12 defensemen recorded more primary assists at 5v5. That group includes all-stars Brent Burns, Morgan Rielly, Kris Letang, John Carlson and Giordano.
2019-20 outlook: There are a lot of moving parts with this one. He was almost traded to Toronto for Nazem Kadri so clearly there is some fire with the smoke rumors have created. The Flames also still need to clear cap so there's always a possibility a deal with Brodie is revisited. If he stays, his role is in question. Will he remain with Giordano full-time? Will he split duties with Andersson? Will he be dropped down from the get go? All are possibilities, although I think a split depending on matchups and current performance would be most realistic. Playing 21:28 per game, Brodie's average ice time last season was at its lowest point since 2012-13. I wouldn't be surprised if there's another dip next year, in which case he *may* not reach 30 points for the first time (full seasons only) in his career. Whatever the case, the 2019-20 season seems destined to be his last as a member of the Flames.
numbers via naturalstattrick.com and hockey-reference.com
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