The Blackhawks’ goaltending situation was expected to improve this season, with Petr Mrázek returning after a strong previous year (despite playing behind a defensively average team) and the addition of veteran backup Laurent Brossoit to share the workload.
However, Brossoit suffered a knee injury during summer training, delaying the start of his season. As a result, Arvid Söderblom, who seemed surplus to requirements with Brossoit’s arrival and Drew Commesso named the starter in Rockford early in training camp, had to step in until Brossoit healed.
The goaltending has indeed improved significantly, which is a testament to Söderblom’s performance.
Unfortunately, since September, Brossoit’s return timeline has remained uncertain and now has taken another setback that complicates matters for the Blackhawks. Head coach Luke Richardson announced on Friday that Brossoit underwent another knee procedure and will be sidelined for an additional six weeks. Initially, he was expected to return around the second week of the regular season, but that would now coincide with the start of the third month of play.
As previously noted, Söderblom’s situation is becoming increasingly challenging for the Blackhawks with each game he plays. He has been excellent throughout the season, but he has only four appearances left before he must clear waivers to return to Rockford. With Brossoit out until the New Year and a busy December schedule, the Blackhawks can’t prevent Söderblom from reaching that limit.
