3 free agent defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs should target

2. T.J. Brodie

On paper, T.J. Brodie of the Calgary Flames has just about everything the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for on their blueline. Though he’s left-handed, he has experience playing on the right side and most of his best moments have been spent there.

Brodie’s numbers away from Mark Giordano are noticeably worse, but over the past three seasons, he has managed to tread water without him. His skill set makes him a perfect fit with Morgan Rielly. Without question, Brodie would be the best defensive partner Rielly’s had since Jake Gardiner.

Unlike the likes of Nikita Zaitsev and Cody Ceci, Brodie’s capable enough with the puck to ease the constant pressure on Rielly. He’s also very solid in transition and reliable in his own zone. The Flames were always better with him on the ice.

That said, there are several concerns about Brodie. First of all, he’s declining. Anything more than a four-year deal would be a huge risk. Secondly, Brodie’s not a very physical defenseman. The Leafs might want to add someone a bit more physical, though as they say, beggars can’t be choosers.

However, the most significant concern is Brodie might not even want to come to Toronto. He had the Maple Leafs on his no-trade list last season, which kept him from coming to the Maple Leafs in a Nazem Kadri trade. But if Barrie would be open to playing in Toronto, he’d be a pretty nice fit, assuming the price is right.