Laurent Brossoit has finally gotten healthy for the Chicago Blackhawks, a team now goalie-heavy with no room for the veteran. Brossoit has proven to be an NHL goalie when healthy, so he will find a place to play in the NHL. After having to pass through waivers once becoming healthy, teams skipped over him, but that doesn't mean he won't be traded soon.
Brossoit last played in the NHL in 2023-24 and went 15-5-2 with a 2.00 GAA and .927 SV%, also posting three shutouts. He was injured before ever playing a game for the Blackhawks, who acquired him that following offseason. In his absence, Arvid Soderblom was able to step in and show that he's an NHL goalie and that has stuck.
This is a goalie-starved market, especially for capable goalies, so Brossoit will get a look. Elliotte Friedman said, "Someone said to me, if you were willing to take the full number ($3.3 million) for Laurent Brossoit...a late round pick or future considerations. If you're asking for Chicago to retain...you'll probably have to do a little bit more."
On the other hand, David Pagnotta said, "I don't get the sense that Chicago...that they really want to retain on that $3.3 million hit." For a team that is sinking to the bottom without Connor Bedard, or even was with Bedard, they have $24 million in cap space and Brossoit is a UFA after the season.
In terms of who could look at bringing Brossoit in soon, two teams have been linked and stand out, the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.
The Oilers just acquired Tristan Jarry and it has been a breath of fresh air. He is giving the team saves at the right time and is 2-0-0 so far. Calvin Pickard, though playing better than he did to start the season, is still a fringe NHL goalie at best, has a 4.06 GAA and .851 SV%. Better goalies over the past number of seasons have been sent to the minors for less, like Sam Montembeault.
Connor Ingram is in the AHL right now, but has struggled getting back up to speed. Swapping Pickard to play in the AHL for Brossoit at 50% retained would work for the Oilers and for the Blackhawks. Pickard is a UFA after the season as well, and Chicago gets a draft pick from a contender who doesn't really need it.
As for the Ducks, Frank Seravalli said, "I wonder if...maybe say Anaheim for instance. Petr Mrazek has been hurt. Does Brossoit make any sense for them for a team that can afford the financial hit."
In this case, yes, considering Ville Husso hasn't been great once being given the net. Lukas Dostal is back and healthy, but Brossoit could be a solid backup there, for at least the next while. Mrazek has had a history of injuries, so there's no certainty he'll be back and in form. Anaheim has nearly $19 million in cap space this season.
One way or another, it makes sense for the Blackhawks to trade Brossoit.
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