Laurent Brossoit’s return creates a trade dilemma for the Chicago Blackhawks

Laurent Brossoit is finally healthy, but instead of solving a problem for the Chicago Blackhawks, his return has created a new one. The veteran goaltender has proven throughout his career that he can be a reliable NHL option when healthy. However, Chicago suddenly finds itself with too many capable goalies and not enough room to use them all. With younger netminders stepping up and Brossoit entering the final year of his contract, the situation is pointing strongly toward a trade.

Brossoit has yet to play a regular-season game for the Chicago Blackhawks due to a long recovery from injury. Still, his resume speaks for itself. In his last NHL season in 2023 to 2024, he posted a strong 15 5 2 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a .927 save percentage, along with three shutouts. Those numbers are elite for a goalie who has mostly worked in a backup role. Now that he is healthy again, the question is not whether he can play in the NHL, but where.

Why the Blackhawks have no room for Laurent Brossoit

The Chicago Blackhawks signed Brossoit hoping he would stabilize their crease and provide dependable goaltending. Instead, injuries delayed his debut, and during that time, Arvid Soderblom stepped in and proved he belongs at the NHL level. That unexpected development changed everything.

Chicago is now in a position where keeping Brossoit does not make much sense. The team is not in a playoff race, and there is little benefit in carrying an experienced veteran when younger goalies need reps. On top of that, Brossoit is an unrestricted free agent after the season. If the Blackhawks hold onto him too long, they risk losing him for nothing.

Despite clearing waivers once he became healthy, interest around the league has not disappeared. Goaltending is one of the thinnest positions across the NHL, and teams are always looking for reliable options, especially as injuries pile up. Elliotte Friedman noted that if Chicago is willing to take on the full 3.3 million dollar cap hit, a late round pick or future considerations could be enough to move Brossoit. Retaining salary could increase the return, but according to David Pagnotta, the Blackhawks are not eager to do that.

With nearly 24 million dollars in cap space and a rebuilding roster, the Chicago Blackhawks have flexibility. The real motivation here is asset management. Trading Brossoit now allows the team to gain something rather than watching him walk in free agency.

Oilers and Ducks emerge as logical trade fits

Two teams stand out as potential landing spots for Brossoit: the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks. Both teams have clear goaltending needs and enough incentive to explore a deal.

In Edmonton, the Oilers recently added Tristan Jarry, and that move has already helped stabilize their crease. However, Calvin Pickard remains a concern. His numbers have been rough, with a goals against average over four and a save percentage well below league average. Swapping Pickard for Brossoit, especially with salary retained, would give Edmonton a more dependable option for a playoff push. From Chicago’s perspective, taking back Pickard temporarily and picking up a draft pick from a contender makes sense.

Anaheim is another interesting option. Petr Mrazek has dealt with injuries, and Ville Husso has struggled when given extended time in net. While Lukas Dostal is healthy again, the Ducks could use a steady backup who can step in when needed. Frank Seravalli suggested that Anaheim has the cap space to absorb Brossoit’s contract without much trouble, and that flexibility could make a deal easier.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, the path forward is clear. Laurent Brossoit has value, the market is thin, and the timing is right. Moving him now helps both the player and the organization. It opens space for younger goalies, adds future assets, and avoids wasting a useful trade chip. One way or another, a Brossoit trade feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.

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