Quote:
Originally Posted by Nelson
I don’t dislike Brodie because of his turnovers. I think that’s a function of how often he carries the puck, just like Gardiner. In fact, I like Brodie a lot (the only Flames jersey I own is of Brodie). His edgework is fantastic, and he has a high skill level.
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For me I think it comes down to adding a new category for defenseman in this ultra quick era of hockey.
Transition Blueliner.
Brodie isn't an offensive defenseman, he isn't a shut down defenseman, but he's an elite transition defenseman.
Teams need that, and if they only have offensive guys and defensive guys it's hard to make the team go on a consistent basis. He's elite in that category and should be valued as such.
Calgary luckily has two young guys that really see the ice well for outlet passes in Valimaki and Andersson, and another that skates well enough to transition on his own (Kylington).
I've never felt it necessary to disparage Brodie in order to suggest the Flames may be smart to move on from him since they have a surplus and he's a UFA in a year.