Leafs defenseman tips his hand and may have revealed his return date

After the Leafs 6-2 loss yesterday to the Ottawa Senators, the team returned to practice ahead of Sunday's matinee against the Washington Capitals. Once practice had concluded, defenseman T.J. Brodie, who has been sidelined since January 7th, provided an update on when he could return.



As it seems, Brodie is planning to return to the lineup on Sunday "if all goes well between now and then". Brodie was placed on the injured reserve list on January 10th with a rib injury he suffered against the Detroit Red Wings on the 7th and has not returned to game action since then.

At the initial time of the injury, Keefe noted that Brodie wouldn't be out for "too long", giving him a timetable to return of just two weeks. That two-week mark came a week ago today when the Leafs were set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens last Saturday. Fast forward a week later up to date, Brodie has now been out for three whole weeks.


In his 2022-23 campaign, Brodie has two goals and six assists, tallying for eight points in twenty-eight games this season with an average of 21:09 of total ice time. Despite their injuries on the back end this season, the Leafs have still managed to thrive defensively.

Brodie is a defensive defenseman and a player the Leafs have fallen back on as a key contributor in tight games. Having him back to face off against two top teams, the Capitals Sunday and the Boston Bruins on Wednesday, will be crucial in anticipation of two highly skilled offenses.