T.J. Brodie now the owner of the NHL's longest active scoring drought

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Cody Craig
March 31, 2024 (12:50)

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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman T.J. Brodie smiling at practice

Photo credit: TSN

Nobody is more aware of the NHL's longest-standing scoring drought than Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman T.J. Brodie, and it's been something that has been weighing on him for a while now. Regardless, the veteran defenseman has his eyes set on the bigger picture. Helping his team clinch a spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and achieve their goal of winning a Stanley Cup.

The stay at home defenseman has yet to score a goal this season. His drought is currently the longest active goal drought in the NHL. This goes all the way back to New Years Eve of 2022, spanning a total of 113 games, if you include playoff games.

Despite NHL players wanting to light the lamp every season, Brodie has taken a different approach to his difficult situation. He knows that scoring isn't the only way to contribute and as a defensive defenseman, Brodie knows there's value in the role he plays for the Leafs, even if the puck isn't going in for him.

"Obviously, you want to be able to contribute that way, but that's not my job here. If it happens, it happens, and it's a positive. But there's other things I can do to help the team." - Brodie on his role with the Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs defenseman of 900 career NHL games knows his role in the league and with his team. He is more focused on leaning into his strengths than worrying about anything else that's unrelated to the defensive side of the game.

Brodie is putting in the effort to score at least. He has recorded 6 shots each in his last two games. Something he hasn't done since the drought started.

With the NHL playoffs three weeks away, it's been a very positive sign seeing Brodie clean up his game defensively as he continues to work his way back to being a top-four shutdown defenseman. He picked some good timing since his spot isn't secure for the game one opening night roster.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Auston Matthews has words with official after his 10-minute misconduct

Mitch Marner shows immense growth with remark about personal accolades

Leafs D Simon Benoit reveals how he plans to celebrate his extension

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31 MARS \| 363 ANSWERS T.J. Brodie now the owner of the NHL's longest active scoring drought Will the Toronto Maple Leafs start or bench defenseman T.J. Brodie for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
Start	207	57 %
Bench	156	43 %
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