Oct 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman TJ Brodie (78) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks at American Airlines Center. Photo: Jerome Miron/Imagn Images

Blackhawks Buy Out Defenseman TJ Brodie

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 2:36 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks have been busy on Saturday. Not only did they acquire winger Andre Burakovsky in a trade with the Seattle Kraken, but they have now also reportedly bought out defenseman TJ Brodie. The veteran blueliner had one season remaining on the two-year deal he signed last summer with the Hawks.

By buying out Brodie, the Blackhawks only save about $500K on the cap this coming season. However, with aiming to remain cap compliant, that is fine for Chicago. Brodie will also carry a small cap hit in 2026-27, but only for around $250K. The numbers below are via PuckPedia.

BREAKING: #Blackhawks to buy out contract of defender TJ Brodie, per @FriedgeHNIC. Had one year left at $3.75M

Buyout cap hit, via @PuckPedia:https://t.co/B1RPgnJu5Q pic.twitter.com/XRddHFatda
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) June 21, 2025

Brodie had an unspectacular season in Chicago, and was even benched toward the end of the season in favor of the young defensemen such as Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov. Now, the Blackhawks don't have to worry about him taking minutes away from their young defensemen while still keeping his cap hit on the books for a season where they will be closer to the cap floor than the ceiling.

In 54 games, Brodie posted 10 points (two goals, eight assists). However, he had some awful games defensively, and the "buyout" term was being thrown around early in the season. Now, fans get their wish and the Blackhawks free up minutes for their young defensemen, a win-win all around.

The Blackhawks are surely far from done, with pending restricted free agents and the NHL Draft on the horizon. It should be a busy week for the NHL as July 1 approaches and the new league year opens.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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