Things officially take a major turn for the worst involving Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit

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Joshua Deeds
November 9, 2024 (9:03 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks signed former Stanley Cup-winning goalie, Laurent Brossoitthis July to a 2-year, $3.3 Million AAV deal.

He went under the knife for a meniscus surgery that has kept him off the ice for some time. Much to the dismay of Blackhawks fans everywhere, the promise of a legitimate backup goalie to Petr Mrazek is needed.

Not to discount Arvid Soderblom's play this season, but Brossoit could end up stealing the job from Mrazek, but that's for another day.

Regardless, Brossoit's timetable doesn't seem to have changed as according to Head Coach Luke Richardson, there's no definite answer yet.

Because of Soderblom's excellence so far, Brossoit's return could make things interesting. When the veteran goaltender finally gets healthy, his return could have big implications for the Blackhawks' lineup and even open up trade possibilities.

There's no question Brossoit will be put back into Chicago's lineup when he returns, and he'll probably excel there when he does. In each of the last two seasons, Brossoit has been dominant, with a .927 save percentage with the Golden Knights and Jets. He was brought in to practically compete with Mrazek for the starting spot, and he certainly has the talent to do so.

The Blackhawks are a team that is still a work in progress, and for them, a healthy lineup seems too much to ask for lately.

Mrazek can't carry this team on his back alone like he did last season, and if Brossoit does return and steals the net, could that mean Drew Commesso is due for a promotion?

«To be in a situation where it looks like, contractually speaking and terms of our contract, Mrázek and I are in a very similar boat,» Brossoit said. «I think it's going to be a situation where we can have a healthy competition and I can earn starts and try prove to the organization that I can be a bona fide starter. It was a perfect stepping stone for me to get to the ultimate goal of becoming a starter one day.»

Could Brossoit be the answer in the net? He very well could be and could Soderblom more time in the AHL to work on his game, which he's excelled at spectacularly this season.

For now, injury troubles the Blackhawks once more, which is sad to say after last season.

The winning culture hasn't been built yet, but the bricks could be laid slowly and Brossoit is one of them.