[Signing] Brodie signs with the Leafs (4yrs, $5m AAV)

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I don’t see Brodie as a shutdown guy, frankly, unless by necessity like the Flames have done.

IMO Brodie trends as a second pairing guy, and that was going to be the stage between he and Gio going forward. Hanifin and Rasmus are going to assume a bigger role.

I'd sooner put Valimaki on our top pair and throw him i the deep end before Hanifin to be honest.

[bubbsy]

Ugh anywhere but Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver. I can't cheer for him now.

Wish they were able to keep him. He was a more substantial part of the core when this team was playing well. He's a good player, seems like a cool guy. Wish him the best.

Can't judge treliving's offseason prematurely, but if markstrom is the biggest shake up to the core of the team, I'll be disappointed.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by BigBrodieFan

Sureloss you are quick ♥️

Drop by once in a while eh

[Eb0la11]

This is a big hole...

[yourbestfriend]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I think those two are entering into the time when they push into #1 pairing. I think Gio/Brodie probably held them back a bit. But call it a 1a 1b if you like. Certainly in the POs Hanifin/Andersson were taking over the top billing.

I also think that Gio is capable of a better season and that there are quite a few guys who can mesh with him.

They should definitely be pushing this coming up season. But having a proven top pairing would just solidify our D and provide an insurance policy in case they can't take that step.
Would fully expect a Hanifin/Andersson top pairing if not by the end of next season, definitely the season afterwards. That would coincide perfectly with moving Gio down as he gets older.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Actually I like the prospect of Vatanen.

I believe Andersson will step into the #2 spot with Gio, so Calgary is probably looking at a #4 on the right side with Hanifin.

Vatanan, Savard, Tanev, Barrie, P. Myers are all pretty good options that I believe shores up the top 4.

Can Valimaki and Kylington anchor the 5-6, though? What would be some good options with that kind of lineup?

[tkflames]

I cant imagine that the Flames didnt put the same or better offer on the table. That's a reasonable deal. Brodie was rumored to Toronto for two years now and it looks like he used this opportunity to do that.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I don’t see Brodie as a shutdown guy, frankly, unless by necessity like the Flames have done.

IMO Brodie trends as a second pairing guy, and that was going to be the stage between he and Gio going forward. Hanifin and Rasmus are going to assume a bigger role.

I was never comfortable with Brodie in any role. He wasn't great defensively, and was a pretty big gaffe machine in his own end. He wasn't really good offensively and never piled up the points like a guy with his abilities was expected to do. His one big strength was his skating ability and getting the puck out of the zone, but even that wasn't great at. He was very complimentary to Giordano, but Giordano played well with almost anyone. I think that Kylington replaces Brodie's skillset if given the chance, and it looks like this team will be forced into that. I think we'll be just fine without Brodie.

[SeanCharles]

Valimaki is going to be a stud so I’m not going to hit the panic button.

Tre will look to add a RH shot top 4 dman as well so I think things will be fine.

[tkflames]

Originally Posted by New Era

I was never comfortable with Brodie in any role. He wasn't great defensively, and was a pretty big gaffe machine in his own end. He wasn't really good offensively and never piled up the points like a guy with his abilities was expected to do. His one big strength was his skating ability and getting the puck out of the zone, but even that wasn't great at. He was very complimentary to Giordano, but Giordano played well with almost anyone. I think that Kylington replaces Brodie's skillset if given the chance, and it looks like this team will be forced into that. I think we'll be just fine without Brodie.

I didnt love his overall game...but honestly I thought he was one of the best at skating stride for stride with ultra fast wingers. I thought he was one of the few that could neutralize McDavid, McKinnon and other fast forwards. We wont know what we have lost until it's gone...but I saw a comment earlier that summarized it best...dont fall in love with aging players.

[blender]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

Ugh anywhere but Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver. I can't cheer for him now.

Wish they were able to keep him. He was a more substantial part of the core when this team was playing well. He's a good player, seems like a cool guy. Wish him the best.

Can't judge treliving's offseason prematurely, but if markstrom is the biggest shake up to the core of the team, I'll be disappointed.

But Markstrom isn't the biggest shake up.
Losing Brodie is.

[blender]

Brodie is an elite skater. He skates well as Heiskenin (sp?).
That alone makes him a very desirable commodity
Losing him creates a void in the Flames transition game that must be addressed. I hope Hanifin can provide it .

[Scorch]

Originally Posted by New Era

I was never comfortable with Brodie in any role. He wasn't great defensively, and was a pretty big gaffe machine in his own end. He wasn't really good offensively and never piled up the points like a guy with his abilities was expected to do. His one big strength was his skating ability and getting the puck out of the zone, but even that wasn't great at. He was very complimentary to Giordano, but Giordano played well with almost anyone. I think that Kylington replaces Brodie's skillset if given the chance, and it looks like this team will be forced into that. I think we'll be just fine without Brodie.

Brodie has benefited from being paired with Gio and now with him signing on a weak D like Toronto’s, he’ll have to rely on his own merit. I doubt Leaf fans would be as forgiving as we have been for his mistakes on the ice

A loss but not as huge of a loss as some are making it out to be

[activeStick]

The Flames are going to miss Brodie's outlets and incredible skating from the backend. Really dynamic player who was excellent at transitioning to the forward group but terrible in the offensive end with a muffin of a shot (except for the goal against Dallas!), and not physical at all.

Brodie is a top pairing defenseman. He's been playing on the top pair for many years and doesn't look out of place the vast majority of the time. He had a completely terrible year one year, but this was the only blip in his career of consistent play.

Having said all this, I'm good with Brodie signing with the Leafs (only other team I wouldn't mind seeing have success) since for me, Rasmus is on track to replace Brodie next year and I think he's ready. He'll blossom under the captain's tutelage and I'm excited to see the next stage of his career.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Yamer

I believe Andersson will step into the #2 spot with Gio, so Calgary is probably looking at a #4 on the right side with Hanifin.

Vatanan, Savard, Tanev, Barrie, P. Myers are all pretty good options that I believe shores up the top 4.

Can Valimaki and Kylington anchor the 5-6, though? What would be some good options with that kind of lineup?

You could also make a trade involving Ryan plus for a defenceman - lose some salary that way.

Or the big shakeup - Gaudreau for a good younger D like a signed Pulock at $5M and then use a bit of extra cash for Hall.

[Matty81]

I like Brodie, but I think this is a big overpay. He's always looked lost away from Gio and his production declined bigtime last year with a lot of premium ice time he got 19 points.

5 mil a year until Brodie is 35 when he's coming off a 19 point season is good for the flames to stay away from.

They need to add a dman with some experience to complement Gio, Andersson, Hanifin, Valimaki and Kylington but hopefully they can do it for a bit less than that. Or if they're hunting a big fish and willing to pay 5-7 mil, get a guy who is a little more productive as I think the comparables at 5 mil a year are mostly better players than him.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

You could also make a trade involving Ryan plus for a defenceman - lose some salary that way.

Or the big shakeup - Gaudreau for a good younger D like a signed Pulock at $5M and then use a bit of extra cash for Hall.

Yeah, people keep bringing up names as options and thus losing Brodie - from a hockey standpoint - isn't as harsh. There are lots of options out there, from who you can fit in through FA to finding a dance partner for a trade. Pulock would be a fascinating pick-up, and I forgot about Stetcher.

Andersson's emergence as a stud will make this transition easier than it was a year or two ago.

Valimaki is probably ready to go, but can Kylington be relied on full-time to be his partner? Anyone in the system I'm forgetting that's on the cusp?

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by Yamer

Yeah, people keep bringing up names as options and thus losing Brodie - from a hockey standpoint - isn't as harsh. There are lots of options out there, from who you can fit in through FA to finding a dance partner for a trade. Pulock would be a fascinating pick-up, and I forgot about Stetcher.

Andersson's emergence as a stud will make this transition easier than it was a year or two ago.

Valimaki is probably ready to go, but can Kylington be relied on full-time to be his partner? Anyone in the system I'm forgetting that's on the cusp?

Mackey and Yelesin next season.

Kinnvall the season after.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by SeanCharles

Mackey and Yelesin next season.

Kinnvall the season after.

Are they ready for 6-7 (positionally) minutes regularly? I thought Yelesin had flashes but looked really green. Might work on a rotation basis?

[sureLoss]

Lance Hornby
@sunhornby
Brodie: "I'm pretty excited, it's a great team close to home and family. Everyone knows about last year and the (cancelled Kadri) trade. They wanted me."