He was drafted 68th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. On May 15, 2007, the Blackhawks signed him to a three-year entry level contract. On October 23, 2010, the Blackhawks recalled Brophey from their AHL-affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. He made his NHL debut the same day in a 3-2 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets.