Has T.J. Brennan finally found a home with Flyers?
Google "well-traveled" and don't be surprised if T.J. Brennan's name pops up. At 27, he already has been with seven NHL organizations, and he is hoping he has made his final stop.
Google "well-traveled" and don't be surprised if T.J. Brennan's name pops up.
At 27, he already has been with seven NHL organizations, and he is hoping he has made his final stop.
In his backyard, of all places.
Brennan is living the dream. He has signed a contract with the Flyers, the team he idolized while growing up in nearby Moorestown.
"The Flyers," Brennan said after working out at their Voorhees practice facility the other day, "are the closest team to my heart. I grew up right cross the bridge and I was very fortunate to be able to go see games. I think that's where my passion for hockey really grew."
As Brennan was speaking, the nameplate over his locker somehow got jarred loose and fell to the ground.
Brennan laughed.
"It reminds me that I have to work hard every day," he said after his locker briefly became nameless, "because I'm replaceable."
In two of the last three seasons, Brennan won the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL's top defenseman. But barring injuries in training camp, which starts Sept. 23 for veterans, he will probably again start the season in the AHL, this time with the Phantoms instead of the Toronto Marlies.
In July, he signed a two-way, two-year deal that carries a $625,000 annual salary-cap hit if he is with the NHL team.
If you include Brennan and gifted prospects Ivan Provorov, Sam Morin, and Travis Sanheim, the Flyers have 11 defensemen battling for seven spots - assuming that's how many they carry to open the season.
Brennan ranks fifth in AHL history in goals scored (113) by a defenseman, but he hasn't stuck in the NHL (53 career games) because of some defensive shortcomings.
"It's a huge honor to be in the Flyers organization and have an opportunity to play here," said the 6-foot-1, 216-pound Brennan, who is renting an Old City apartment with his brother, Shane. "It's something I take very seriously. I may only get one shot."
Brennan said he idolized the Flyers' Legion of Doom line as a youngster, and had "so many great memories growing up and watching hockey here. Flyers versus Devils. Flyers-Rangers. And I'm so excited to be a part of it and hopefully have an influence on what happens with the team."
Asked how he saw his role this season, Brennan said, "That's their decision. My job is to be a sponge and absorb and learn as much as I can. I like to do what I'm passionate about, and I'm very lucky to have a career that I can do that."
Brennan, drafted by Buffalo in the second round in 2007, hopes that career will eventually include some seasons with the Flyers.
"It's been a long journey, but I feel I've learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way," he said. "I feel like I have a fresh start here and can bring a lot to the table."
@BroadStBull