The Chicago Blackhawks signed Laurent Brossoit to be their main backup goalie for the 2024-25 season, but that plan has not gone as expected.
Brossoit had meniscus surgery on his right knee during the offseason and was anticipated to be out for 5-7 weeks. However, this timeline extended into training camp and the start of the regular season, although the veteran goalie appeared to be making progress two weeks ago.
On October 24, head coach Luke Richardson mentioned the possibility of Brossoit rejoining the team by Halloween in San Jose, but that did not happen. After the Blackhawks returned home from a five-game road trip, Brossoit’s status remained uncertain. Richardson shared discouraging news on Saturday, indicating that there is currently no schedule for Brossoit’s return and that his recovery process is unclear.
With Brossoit and his $3.3 million salary cap hit still out, Arvid Soderblom has stepped up after a challenging previous season. The Blackhawks are relying heavily on Petr Mrazek in goal, but Soderblom has performed well when needed, boasting a .933 save percentage, 2.27 goals-against average, and 4.5 goals saved above average in four starts.
Fortunately for both the Blackhawks and Brossoit, the goaltending situation has turned out well so far, but they will need that luck to persist as Brossoit’s injury status remains uncertain.
