The Blackhawks earlier this afternoon signed defenseman Alec Martinez to a one-year, $4 million contract.

This evening, they added to their defensive core, signing TJ Brodie to a two-year, $3,750,000 AAV contract.

#Blackhawks agree to terms with TJ Brodie: 2 years x $3.75 million.

TJ Brodie is 34 years old and was a fourth round pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. Brodie spent his whole career in Canada so far, playing for the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Last year on the Maple Leafs, Brodie had one goal and 25 assists, tallying up to 26 points in 78 games with a +17.

The Blackhawks wanted to add some veteran presence around Connor Bedard and their young defensive core, and are doing so.

However, they’re working themselves into a jam here, having a lot of young d-men that probably should play in the NHL having to sit out or go play in Rockford because they are signing too many veterans.

We’ll see how this plays out.