Amidst swirling rumors of the Edmonton Oilers seeking goaltending reinforcements, one potential target has found himself in the spotlight for a different reason. Laurent Brossoit, currently playing for the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, scored a rare goalie goal in a recent game against the Milwaukee Admirals.
Brossoit's unexpected offensive contribution came during Friday night's game, where he fired the puck into an empty net, sealing a 5-3 victory for the IceHogs. Adding to the achievement, Brossoit also stopped 33 shots, earning him the game's first-star honors. This highlight-reel moment arrives as Brossoit attempts to revitalize his NHL career following a significant meniscus surgery that sidelined him for over a year.
The Oilers' recent acquisition of Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins has intensified discussions about their goaltending situation. While general manager Stan Bowman has stated that Calvin Pickard will remain with the team, speculation persists that the Oilers might be considering a more comprehensive overhaul of their goaltending, similar to the Colorado Avalanche's approach last season.
Brossoit, 33, signed a two-year, $6.6 million deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1, 2024. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Blackhawks have granted Brossoit permission to engage in trade talks with other teams, potentially paving the way for his return to the NHL.
However, the Oilers' financial situation presents a challenge. Having already made adjustments to accommodate Jarry's salary, acquiring Brossoit's $3.3 million annual cap hit would require further maneuvering, especially if the Blackhawks are unwilling to retain any salary. The Oilers traded Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to the Penguins for Jarry and Samuel Poulin.
Given these financial constraints, Brossoit's potential move to Edmonton appears less likely. The Oilers also have other options within their system, including Connor Ingram, who is currently with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL. Ingram is trying to get back to form after being in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program for the majority of last season. Matt Tomkins is another option in the Oilers' farm system.
Calvin Pickard, the current backup, has a 4.04 goals-against average and a .851 save percentage this season. Last season, Pickard had a 22-10-1 record with a 2.71 GAA and a .900 save percentage.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Brossoit's recent empty-net goal marks a significant milestone in his comeback journey. Such feats are rare for goaltenders, and achieving it while striving to return to the NHL adds to the accomplishment.
