Laurent Brossoit Drawing Trade Interest as Blackhawks Open the Door to Talks
As NHL teams begin to look ahead to potential midseason upgrades, one name quietly re-entering the goaltending conversation is Laurent Brossoit of the Chicago Blackhawks. And while he hasn’t suited up in over a year, his return to action is now on the horizon - and so is the possibility of a new home.
According to reports, the Blackhawks have begun taking calls on Brossoit and have even granted teams permission to speak with him directly. That’s a clear signal that Chicago is open for business when it comes to the veteran netminder, who has yet to play a game for the club since signing a two-year deal in the summer of 2024.
Brossoit is expected to begin a conditioning stint in the AHL next week - a significant step in his comeback from a pair of surgeries that have sidelined him since the 2024 postseason. First, it was a meniscus injury that kept him out for the entire 2024-25 season. Then, in September, he underwent hip surgery, further delaying his return.
Now, with his recovery progressing and the Blackhawks’ goaltending depth reshaped in his absence, the 30-year-old is suddenly a trade chip worth watching.
The Cap Crunch and Chicago’s Goalie Shuffle
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about a lack of talent. Brossoit has proven he can be a reliable presence in net.
But the Blackhawks’ crease has changed dramatically since he signed. Originally expected to form a tandem with Arvid Soderblom, Brossoit’s injury setbacks forced Chicago to pivot - and that pivot came in the form of Spencer Knight.
Acquired from the Florida Panthers, Knight has quickly become a foundational piece in Chicago’s rebuild. The Blackhawks doubled down on that belief by signing him to a three-year, $17.5 million extension with a $5.83 million AAV. So far, it’s looking like money well spent.
With Knight entrenched as the starter and Soderblom still in the mix, there’s simply no room for Brossoit on the active roster. Add in his $3.3 million cap hit, and it’s easy to see why the Blackhawks are motivated to find him a new landing spot - especially if they can retain salary or work out a creative deal.
Why Brossoit Could Be a Sneaky Smart Pickup
Despite the long layoff, there’s reason to believe Brossoit can still be a valuable asset. His most recent NHL action came in the 2023-24 season with the Winnipeg Jets, where he posted a 15-5-2 record with a stellar 2.00 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage over 23 games. That’s not just serviceable - that’s high-end backup or low-end starter material.
Over his career, Brossoit has maintained a .911 save percentage and a 2.64 GAA - solid numbers that suggest he can step in and give a team 20 to 25 quality starts a season. In today’s NHL, where goalie tandems are more important than ever, that kind of stability and experience can be a real difference-maker, especially for playoff hopefuls looking to lighten the load on their starter.
What Comes Next
Brossoit’s upcoming AHL stint will be closely monitored by scouts and front offices alike. Teams will want to see how he moves, how he tracks the puck, and whether he can handle the physical demands after two significant surgeries.
But the fact that the Blackhawks are allowing other teams to speak with him directly is telling - this isn’t just a wait-and-see situation. There’s real traction here.
The cap hit may complicate things, but if Brossoit shows he’s healthy and ready, there’s every reason to believe a deal could materialize. Whether it’s a contender looking for insurance or a team needing a reliable second option, Brossoit could end up being one of the more intriguing goalie names on the trade market this season.
The comeback is underway. Now, it’s just a matter of where the next chapter will begin.