To begin to appreciate Thomas James Brodie, you have to begin with his predecessors. In no particular order (excluding Gardiner), you have Tyson Barrie, Ron Hainsey, Nikita Zaitsev, Matt Hunwick, Roman Polak, and longtime beloved Leaf Martin Marincin. There are more I can list, (
Connor Carrick, Stephane Robidas and Cody Franson) but let's not be petty.