[Cali Panthers Fan]

Damn.

I didn't think I'd be emotional over this news, but I am a little. I guess there's just so much history with T.J. on the team that I forget how much he's meant for so long. He's under the radar, both with his play and demeanor, but damn if he isn't an excellent player and excellent human.

I am always going to vividly remember 2014/15 when Giordano went down with that freak bicep injury heading into the playoffs. Brodie became the de facto #1 defenseman with Dennis Wideman as his partner of all people. That should have been a recipe for disaster, but it was quite the opposite. They were soo good against Vancouver in that playoff series. Brodie had 5 points in 11 games and was a + 3 despite losing in the 2nd round pretty easily to Anaheim.

I went to check and Brodie is 9th all time in games played for the franchise. That's a notable contribution, and I think we should all stop for a second and appreciate this underrated player.

I became an ever-so-slight Leaf fan today, and before now I would wish nothing but the worst for them. I just can't help it, I love that guy so much. I wish nothing but the best for him and his family. I'm glad he gets to go home.

Good luck T.J., you will be missed.