When Laurent Brossoit stepped onto the ice at Fifth Third Arena a few weeks back, it was more than just a welcome sight-it was a signal that the veteran goaltender might finally be ready to rejoin the NHL conversation. After signing a two-year deal with the Blackhawks in the summer of 2024, Brossoit’s tenure in Chicago has been all rehab and no game action.
A knee surgery in August 2024, followed by a subsequent procedure, sidelined him for the rest of that year. Then came hip surgery this past summer, which landed him on the injured, non-roster list to start the 2025-26 season.
Now, there’s finally movement. On Tuesday, the Blackhawks activated Brossoit and sent him to the Rockford IceHogs for a conditioning stint. It’s a procedural move-allowed under AHL rules-that lets an NHL team send a player down without exposing him to waivers, but it’s also a critical step in determining what comes next.
The clock is now ticking. Conditioning stints are capped at 14 days, and once that window closes, the Blackhawks will have to make a move.
Keeping Brossoit in Rockford beyond that point would require waivers, and given the current goaltending landscape across the league, there’s almost no chance he’d clear. Despite not playing in nearly two years, Brossoit’s last stretch of NHL action was stellar-he posted a .927 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average.
That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when several teams are desperate for help in net.
So, what does Chicago do?
Trading him seems like the most realistic option. And while Brossoit hasn’t logged a minute in a Blackhawks sweater, his value remains strong thanks to his past performance and the scarcity of quality goaltending around the league.
He’s already been linked to Edmonton, but they’re far from the only team that could come calling. The Blackhawks, with plenty of cap flexibility, are expected to retain up to 50% of Brossoit’s $3.3 million cap hit-making him an even more attractive target for contenders or injury-riddled squads.
The Blackhawks’ internal situation complicates things a bit. Spencer Knight isn’t going anywhere-he’s been one of the league’s most promising young netminders and is essentially untouchable.
Arvid Soderblom, meanwhile, has had his ups and downs this season, but at 26 and under contract through next year, he’s still part of the team’s future plans. That leaves Brossoit as the odd man out.
The question now becomes: what kind of return can Chicago get?
It’s a delicate balance. On one hand, goaltending depth is at a premium, and a healthy Brossoit could spark a mini bidding war.
On the other, teams know the Blackhawks are operating with limited leverage. GM Kyle Davidson doesn’t have the luxury of waiting this one out-he’ll need to move Brossoit before the 14-day clock runs out or risk losing him for nothing.
But if Davidson can flip Brossoit for a roster-ready player-someone who can contribute now rather than another prospect for a pipeline that’s already overflowing-it would be another savvy move in what’s been a calculated rebuild. The Blackhawks don’t need more lottery tickets; they need NHL-ready talent to support their young core. Brossoit might be the piece that helps them get there.
For now, all eyes turn to Rockford. If Brossoit looks sharp in his first game action in nearly two years, the phone lines will light up. And in a league where goaltending can make or break a season, a healthy, proven netminder suddenly available could shake up the market in a hurry.