TJ Brodie has taken his game to a whole new level

[browna]

Honorable mention to Wideman. Some fantastic offensive awareness, and danced around a couple Canucks on the rush. His play to get down low, and then find the space where Hudler knew to pass it to, and then over to JG for the goal, was something 50% of the forwards in the league may not execute properly, and here he is like it's no big deal.

In general, those two needed to step up and even do more offensive zone pressure and joining the rush with Gio going down, and they have...all have having to log 5+ or more minutes per game down the stretch. Really mind blowing how those two have stepped up and found a 5th gear, when last season either of them didn't get much past second gear.

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Some of his outlet passes have been unreal. I think he can be better then Gio.

Doubtful, Gio is stronger and faster with a faster release on his shot. Maybe,The Gio we saw this season was one of the best defensemen I've ever seen play. Brodie has time but Gio is just on another level.

[neo45]

- Brodie is a defensive stud who is no slouch on offense either

- I hope Hickey can develop a similar style of game

- Engelland has stepped up big time

- Schlemko as far as I am concerned has earned at least a contract offer for next season

- Hopefully Diaz can make it back to replace Wotherspoon in the lineup (not that he has looked back, just isn't ready to play 10 minutes)

- Russel and Wideman have been outstanding together all year

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by AC

After Tanev's contact, I made a comment on the r/hockey thread about how I thought Tanev's dollar amount was about right, but that it makes Brodie's contract look even better.

Canucks fans proceeded to claim they'd rather Tanev in every way.

Ha, NOPE!

A number of Canuck fans on this board said the same!

[Phanuthier]

I think without a doubt, Schlemko will get a contract next year. The guy has been a solid pickup, this years Montador.

I think our D is pretty set next year with Gio, Brodie, Russell, Wideman, Engelland, Schlemko and 7th will be between Smid and Wotherspoon. With Schlemko and Engellads showing, I don't think we need to pick up any more D.

[dying4acup]

I made a comment when TJ got his contract extension, that he would win a Norris before Gio. It was kind of sarcastic. But I feel like he will one day win the award.

CBC guys made a comment after the first game that Gio is this teams #1 dman, but if TJ was a Canuck, he would be their #1. By far.

[mikephoen]

Which contract is a bigger steal for the Flames, Brodie's or Russell's? Both are just amazing value.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Doubtful, Gio is stronger and faster with a faster release on his shot. Maybe,The Gio we saw this season was one of the best defensemen I've ever seen play. Brodie has time but Gio is just on another level.

Gio is stronger and has a better shot, but he is not faster.

Brodie is one of the best skaters on to team. Gio would be the first person to tell you that Brodie can skate circles around him. His skating is the primary reason why he is the player he is.

[buyakasha]

TJ has been unreal this series, and so have most of the D-men.

Very impressed with Russel though. He creates so much with his skating and hands.. Seriously SO GOOD, whatta steal!

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Doubtful, Gio is stronger and faster with a faster release on his shot. Maybe,The Gio we saw this season was one of the best defensemen I've ever seen play. Brodie has time but Gio is just on another level.

Fair enough, can't take anything away from Gio. Not sure about the skating, Brodie looks faster but maybe because he's so smooth an effortless. Gio has a better shot, but Brodie's outlet passes are the best on the team IMO. I think Brodie is better, but its pretty sweet that we have both - honestly IMO, more than any other player, these 2 guys are the reason we are where we are. Everyone else (Russell, Wideman, Monahan, Hudler, maybe even Johnny) are benefiting from these 2.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Yeah he's another guy that you have to wonder exactly how good he can be.

Imagine if Hartley can get Brodie to tap into the potential he sees in him. We could have another Norris candidate in a few years.

[Mightyfire89]

He was great in tonight's game. Very much looks like a developing Scott Neidermayer. He sort of tailed off toward the end of the season but that's understandable, with Gio out and having to adjust to having Engelland as a D partner and more minutes per game.

His progression has been startling, to be honest. A 4th round pick, he's now a legit #2 D that still has room to move up.

Also, as someone else mentioned, Wideman has been HUGE for this team since Gio went out.

[Roof-Daddy]

Brodie, Russell and Wideman have been unreal.

Even Engelland and Schlemko have amped it up this series.

[Vulcan]

I wouldn't be adverse to keeping Brodie and Engelland together next season. That would make finding a partner for Gio a priority but it could balance our defence better over three pairings.

At first it looked like Brodie was playing with a lot less confidence after losing his partner but he's right on track again and it couldn't be better timing.

[Magnum PEI]

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Trailer Fire

Our mid to late round picks are turning out quite well. Brodie. Ferland. Gaudreau... Man we are lucky.

Which makes me less irate about Edmonton's lottery gifts. We pump out 4th rounders better than their #1's. I wouldn't trade Brodie or Gaudreau for any of Nuge, Hall or Yakupov. And I know McJesus is supposed to be a sure thing but he has yet to play an NHL game and Edmonton's development strategy is garbage. As it stands right now, rather have Monahan. Sorry, derailment, Brodie has been amazing!!!!

[icarus]

Amazing to think we are down Gio, Smid, and Diaz. 2004-esque.

[Caged Great]

Mike Green, Paul Martin, Christian Ehrhoff, Andrej Sekera, Cody Franson and Jeff Petry are all available as UFA's (Wouldn't that be funny if we got him and turned him into a good one)

Adding one of those guys in addition to Gio, Brodie, Wideman, Russell, Engelland and Schlemko would give Calgary 7 really good defenders that can play at both ends of the ice.

[calgarywinning]

To see the Gio video in person, in the dome, in the C of red with his linemate TJ Brodie doing everything tonight was chilling.

It was a full on delivery of Gio's message and captaincy.

[Soliak]

Bob has him playing on the top pairing with Engy and third pairing with Schlemko. Big minutes in a high pressure situation and he is succeeding. Couldn't ask for more.

The Niedermayer comparisons are on point too. What a skater he is, so smooth.