Maple Leafs Defenseman Breaks His Silence on his Struggles and NHL Future

The veteran defenseman has unfortunately been one of the bigger reasons why the Leafs have struggled defensively this season. The 33-year-old has been going through it and it has been wearing on him mentally.

Fans like to assume professional hockey players have it all together at all times. Afterall, they make millions of dollars to essentially participate in their favorite hobby. However, they are still human just like the rest of us and they struggle with the same things we do.

Leafs fans should be understanding with Brodie though. As he says, there are many things in life more important than hockey. He knows this just as well as anyone as he has been going through significant personal hardships recently. His father passed away over the summer and his wife was diagnosed with MS.

These challenges would make anyone's life more difficult, including their work. The best way to heal any trauma is time though, so perhaps Brodie will start to play better as time passes. Even if he doesn't though, that would be okay. Brodie's mental and physical health is more important than any hockey game.

As seen on Leafs defender speaks openly about his struggles on and off the ice, calling into question whether he should continue to play