Was the contract the Chicago Blackhawks signed T.J. Brodie to in free agency one year too long? The veteran defenseman signed for two years at $3.75 million AAV. The value isn't the potential problem the Blackhawks might have, it is the length. General manager Kyle Davidson wanted to bring in experienced players who are proven NHL talent to either fill the spots on the roster adequately or really force the prospects to earn a spot on the team. In bringing in players like Brodie, Alec Martinez, Pat Maroon, and Craig Smith, this does that for the Blackhawks at forward and defense. While the forwards are for another discussion, the defensive depth and prospect pool of the Blackhawks is very strong and deep. Many of the prospects have already gained some valuable experience and a taste for the NHL last season, so they will once again be hunting for one of very limited spots on Chicago to start the season. There is no way 34-year-old Brodie starts the 2024-25 season in the AHL, and that's good. He is a solid defenseman that has played in the top-4 his entire 14-year career and now is going to be in a lower role. This should allow him to succeed this season and not be outmatched as he ages. In terms of age, that is also not the problem with multiple years, it is the limitation put on the defensemen in the organization. The Blackhawks want to be better and giving Brodie the extra year on his deal might have been the only way Chicago was able to sign him, but young D-men like Artyom Levshunov, Wyatt Kaiser, Isaak Phillips, Louis Crevier, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, and Sam Rinzel (when he signs) will all be in the mix. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said he's pleased with signing eight free agents on July 1 to improve his team. With stronger veteran options than the Blackhawks had last season and another year under all of the prospects' belts, it will get to the point where some are being held back because it is expected a veteran of 908 games (Brodie) will outperform all of them. The Blackhawks' defensive prospect pool is full and not all of the names I mentioned are going to fill the ranks in Chicago. But it could also hurt development if there is just no room because a veteran who will likely move on after the two years is being paid to hold a spot on the roster. Brodie will impact the Blackhawks in a positive way next season, but 2025-26 is where questions have to be asked and tough decisions may have to be made. RECENT BLACKHAWKS NEWS Blackhawks OK With Salary Cap, Paying Connor Bedard Over Long-Term [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-ok-with-salary-cap-paying-connor-bedard-over-long-term] Where Do Blackhawks Now Rank Against Other Teams That Missed Playoffs in 2024? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/where-do-blackhawks-now-rank-against-other-teams-that-missed-playoffs-in-2024] Alec Martinez Brings a Different Breed of Success to the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/alec-martinez-brings-a-different-breed-of-success-to-the-chicago-blackhawks] Blackhawks First-Round Draftee Sacha Boisvert: Following Footsteps of Jonathan Toews? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-first-round-draftee-sacha-boisvert-following-footsteps-of-jonathan-toews]
