The Philadelphia Flyers have signed minor league defenseman T.J. Brennan to a two-year contract extension, keeping the offensive dynamo in the organization for the next couple of seasons. The deal is of the two-way variety, and will carry a $675K average annual value in the NHL. The breakdown is as follows:
- 2018-19: $650K in NHL, $450K in AHL
- 2019-20: $700K in NHL, $450K in AHL
Brennan, 28, is arguably the AHL’s best offensive defenseman. A three-time 20-goal scorer, he has 39 points in 48 games this season including only 12 with the man advantage. He is among the best at skating the puck out of his own end, and possesses a booming shot from the point.
In 567 career AHL games, Brennan has 418 points but is still looking for that first Calder Cup. He also doesn’t bring much in terms of NHL upside, as his career has resulted in just 53 games at the highest level. His high-risk offensive nature comes at the expense of some defensive responsibility, something NHL coaches have never been able to trust for very long.
Still, he gives the Flyers another veteran option in the minor leagues to work with their young players and provides some depth should the NHL team face injury. He had been on a two-way deal, and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent again this summer.