No sign of Chicago Blackhawks goaltender at practice raises concerns for Wednesday's game vs Red Wings

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Joshua Deeds
November 5, 2024 (3:18 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Detroit Red Wings in an original-six bout which will see Connor Bedard face the old guard in Patrick Kane.

The match-up will be exciting, as we once again see a Blackhawks legend and a future superstar compete against one another.

But even with all of the fanfare surrounding the game, there's much concern for Blackhawks fans.

Goalie Laurent Brossoit wasn't seen at practice Tuesday, as he is still recovering from his meniscus surgery from the offseason.

Brossoit, who joined the Blackhawks on a two-year, $6.6 million deal on July 1, is still poised to make his debut in a Chicago uniform this fall, it may just come a bit later than most would have hoped. Having previously honed his skills with teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights, where he clinched a Stanley Cup victory in 2023, Brossoit's experience and capabilities between the pipes have been highly anticipated.

Brossoit is the alleged answer between the pipes for the Blackhawks' since Arvid Soderblom's performance last season left the front office doubting his abilities.

When Brossoit is healthy, he will take the back-up position in Chicago, and split netmind duties between himself, and Petr Mrazek.

Brossoit is one of the best acquisitions of the Blackhawks during the offseason, however, it's a shame we haven't seen him on ice this season yet.

Last season he and Connor Hellebuyck were an excellent 1A-1B in the net and gave the Winnipeg Jets the kind of goaltending a winning team needs.

Last season with the Jets, Brossoit showcased impressive form by recording a .927 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average across 23 appearances. His career stats feature a 64-46-13 record, with a 2.64 GAA and a .911 save percentage in 140 NHL appearances.

When will Brossoit be ready to play an actual game for the Blackhawks? The anticipation is killing fan's nerves, as Mrazek is solid but is he the long-term answer for the Blackhawks?

I doubt it.