The Ilya Samsonov treatment seems to have worked in T.J. Brodie’s favour

As referenced, it’s only been a couple of games, so it’s understandable to be cautiously optimistic about these recent developments. That said, considering where Brodie was just even two weeks ago, the Leafs should be feeling pretty good about what they’ve seen from the veteran blue liner over the past little while.

At the very least, Brodie’s built up some confidence, something that’s been missing from his arsenal for months now. Most importantly, even though the parties involved have yet to connect the dots publicly, there are distinct correlations to be drawn between Brodie’s situation – at rock bottom – and Ilya Samsonov’s. And look how the story for the latter turned out. Whatever the tactics were behind the decision-making process, it seems to be working in Toronto’s favour once again —at least right now. The time off has benefited the player, and there’s no denying that.

Furthermore, it was this time last year when many were questioning Morgan Rielly and where his game was at. The No. 1 defenceman was in rough shape. He had zero confidence —just like Brodie. Of course, Rielly would go on to have an amazing postseason, and subsequently, everyone would forget about his pedestrian regular season. Imagine Brodie, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, was able to rally and end his tenure in Toronto on a high note? It’s probably wishful thinking, but if it were it happen, the Leafs would be in great shape —no doubt about that.

Any way you slice it, if the Leafs have any hope of doing something substantial this spring, they will need the very best out of T.J. Brodie. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to get underway on April 20^th, the rearguard has eight regular season games to continue building upon what he’s put together the last little while.

Baby steps. Never say never.