Oiler fans, get ready to welcome back a familiar face! Laurent Brossoit is potentially heading back to Edmonton, though the specifics of the deal are still being ironed out. The 32-year-old goaltender, currently with the Chicago Blackhawks, could be the answer to the Oilers' backup situation after some uncertainty in the net.
Brossoit's journey has taken him full circle. Drafted by Calgary in 2011, he was traded to Edmonton in 2013 and spent several seasons with the Oilers. After stints with Winnipeg and Vegas, he signed a two-year, $6.6 million contract with Chicago in 2024. However, after recovering from an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season, Brossoit found himself on waivers after a conditioning stint with the Rockford Icehogs, Chicago's AHL affiliate. In three AHL games this season, he posted a .900 save percentage and a 3.39 goals-against average.
The Oilers recently acquired Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh, solidifying their starting goaltender position. However, questions remained about the backup role, with Calvin Pickard's performance drawing scrutiny. This opened the door for a potential Brossoit return.
One proposed trade scenario involves the Oilers sending Mattias Janmark and a future sixth-round pick to Chicago in exchange for Brossoit, with the Blackhawks retaining half of Brossoit's $3.3 million cap hit. This would alleviate some of the Oilers' cap concerns, while giving the Blackhawks a solid playoff performer in Janmark and a future asset.
However, acquiring Brossoit isn't without its challenges. Claiming him off waivers would mean taking on his full $3.3 million cap hit, which would require the Oilers to make additional moves to free up space. Furthermore, both Jarry and Brossoit have had injury issues in the past, making it a gamble to rely on them as the team's goaltending tandem.
Despite the potential risks, a Brossoit return could provide the Oilers with a reliable and experienced backup goaltender. Throughout his NHL career, Brossoit has recorded a .911 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average in 140 games. He also has a connection to Edmonton, having played junior hockey with the Oil Kings and previously played for the Oilers.
Ultimately, whether the Oilers pursue Brossoit through waivers or trade remains to be seen. General Manager Stan Bowman will have to weigh the potential benefits against the cap implications and injury concerns. If the Oilers do acquire Brossoit, it would be a welcome return for a player who has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and has a history with the organization.
