The Chicago Blackhawks bought out defenseman TJ Brodie’s contract after he cleared unconditional waivers, according to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston.
The buyout will cost Chicago $3.233 million against the salary cap in 2025-26 and $258,333 in 2026-27, per PuckPedia.
Brodie, 35, signed a two-year deal worth $3.75 million annually as a free agent last summer.
The move ends a disappointing season for the veteran defenseman. He appeared in 54 games for Chicago in 2024-25, recording two goals and eight assists with a minus-18 rating.
Brodie’s ice time dropped to just 15:38 per game as he struggled defensively throughout the campaign.
The Calgary Flames selected Brodie in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Draft. He spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Calgary before joining Toronto.
Brodie played four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2020-2024 before signing with Chicago last summer.
The buyout gives the rebuilding Blackhawks additional salary cap flexibility as they continue developing their young core. Chicago sits near the bottom of the NHL standings this season.
