Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.fogdevils.com
- Name: T.J. Brennan
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 204 lbs
- Birthdate: 1989-04-03
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted: 2007
- Hometown: Willingboro, New Jersey
- Acquired: 2nd round (31st overall), 2007
- Playing In: Pro
T.J. Brennan
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Brennan has come out of nowhere. In 2005-06 he played for the relatively obscure Junior Elite Philadelphia Little Flyers after playing for years at the AA level. He was offered numerous lacrosse scholarships and could have played hockey at any number of those schools but chose to play hockey at the best level possible. His determination led him to a two-week tryout with the St.John's Fog Devils of the QMJHL where he made the team. His 41 points in 68 games won the Raymond-Legace Trophy as the QMJHL's Top Rookie Defenseman in the 2006-07 season. Brennan didn't start playing hockey until he was 10.
2006-07: This was Brennan’s first season with the St. John’s Fog Devils of the QMJHL. In 68 games he tallied 16 goals and 41 points, while racking up 79 penalty minutes.
2007-08: The St. John’s Fog Devils (QMJHL) regular netted 16 goals and 41 points in 65 games this season, his second with the club.
2008-09: Suiting up for 59 games with the Montreal Juniors (QMJHL), Brennan tallied five goals and 34 points in his third season in the league. Expect to see him make the AHL jump and appear with Portland next season.
2009-10: Brennan spent his first pro season in the AHL, appearing in 65 games with Portland. Brennan scored 6 goals with 17 assists and was +2 with 64 PMs. In four AHL playoff games, he had 1 assist and was -3 with 2 PMs.
2010-11: Brennan got off to a slow start in his second season with Portland but a five-game stint at forward seemed to jump start him offensively. After scoring 4 goals with 4 assists during that November stretch, Brennan returned to the blue line and finished the season with 15 goals and 24 assists. He was a +7 plus/minus and scored 5 of his 15 goals on the power play. In four AHL playoff games he had 1 assist and an even plus/minus with 6 PMs.
Talent Analysis
Brennan is a very good athlete with size, but is still developing in the technical aspects of the game. He was an accomplished high school lacrosse player, and did not focus solely on hockey until 2006. Based on his background, he is a fluid skater, but still needs to improve moving in the close quarters of the defensive zone. He brings a hard shot and ability to pinch in on offense, allowing him to contribute on the power play. His talent, physical style of play, and willingness to learn make him a well-rounded prospect with a good amount of upside.
Future
Brennan will be one of the Amerks top four in 2011-12 and should be the anchor of the power play with the likely departure of Marc-Andre Gragnani. With another year of pro seasoning at the AHL level, Brennan could push for a roster spot with the Sabres as early as 2012-13.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 11th 2011
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