It's a common trend in sports that players tend to step up their game when they're in a contract year. Take Sam Reinhart, for instance. The guy's been on fire this season with 48 goals and 79 points in just 69 games. And then there's William Nylander, who's been tearing it up too. But not everyone's having a career year, you know? T.J. Brodie, for example, is having a bit of a rough patch.
In 66 games, he has 18 assists and a plus-14 rating. Yet digging deeper into his stats, Brodie's Corsi For %, Fenwick For %, and expected defensive rating have all taken a hit this season. He's been starting nearly two-thirds of his shifts in the defensive zone, facing some of the toughest matchups in the league. Let's break it down further: Brodie's CF% sits at 43.8%, with a -11.2 CF% rel, and his FF% is 43.9%, with a -11.7 FF% rel—both the lowest of his career. That's a significant drop compared to his numbers in Calgary with the Flames and his first year with the Leafs.
And let's not forget about the personal stuff Brodie's dealing with. The loss of his father and his wife's MS diagnosis aren't making things any easier for him mentally. It's a lot for anyone, let alone a professional athlete.
Sure, the stay-at-home defenders have their place, but in today's game, you need guys who can move the puck and create opportunities. It's all about controlling the play and dictating the pace.
Here's hoping Brodie can bounce back soon. He's a key player for the Maple Leafs, and they will need him down the stretch. Fans should give him some time to recharge, and hopefully, he'll come back stronger than ever.
