TJ Brodie Still Sidelined

Dresden’s TJ Brodie has missed three weeks and 10 NHL games now, due to an “upper body injury” he suffered March 9 against the Winnipeg Jets.

The young blueliner who is playing in his first full NHL season, also ended last season, while playing with the Abbotsford Heat in the American Hockey League with an injury.

In today’s NHL, an upper body injury can mean anything from a concussion, to a separated shoulder, or broken collar bone. Judging by the longevity of Brodie’s absence from the Calgary Flames lineup, one could only assume he is dealing with a serious injury.

With only four games remaining in their NHL season, Calgary currently sits 2-points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, meaning that if they do not qualify for the playoffs, TJ Brodie’s season will likely be over, and he will be back to battling for a roster spot next Fall.

Although many report his 2 goals, 12 assists, and +3 rating in 54 games this season were enough to solidify his place as an NHL regular, Brodie was pegged for a spot at the beginning of this season before being sent back to Abbotsford, only to join the team early in the season due to others being injured.

The biggest improvement for TJ Brodie this season in the eyes of the Calgary Flames brass has to be his +3 rating. Once thought of as an offense only defender who struggled in his own end, Brodie was one of only three Calgary regulars to play more than 50 games this season, who finished with a plus rating. The others, Alex Tanguay and Roman Horak, are both forward, leaving TJ Brodie as the only plus rated defenseman playing the majority of their season.

The Flames play Colorado, Vancouver twice, and Anaheim to close out their season. Calgary will likely need at least three wins to have a chance at the playoffs.