The Chicago Blackhawks have officially activated veteran goalie Laurent Brossoit from injured non-roster status and assigned him to the Rockford IceHogs for a conditioning loan.
Brossoit is now beginning to get back into game shape after a long recovery that stalled his Blackhawks debut.
"Elliotte Friedman said that Laurent Brossoit will be sent down to the AHL in the next week or so for a conditioning stint. The #Blackhawks no longer have room for him and they've given him permission to seek a trade. Reminder that his cap hit is $3.3M."
Brossoit, 32, signed a two-year deal with Chicago in July 2024 that carried a $3.3 million AAV.
But he never played a game-first a meniscus surgery on his right knee, then offseason hip surgery wiped out the 2024-25 season and delayed his return.
The conditioning stint is the next logical step to show he's healthy again.
Interest has already sparked around the league. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Blackhawks have given permission for other NHL teams to contact Brossoit directly, essentially making him available for trade. nhlrumors.com
Brossoit back in net-trade window opens
Expectations are high that this conditioning loan will serve as the final step before Chicago moves on. With young netminders Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom in place, Brossoit is surplus to requirements and becomes one of the most intriguing goaltending options for teams needing depth and experience.
From the team's side it makes sense-turning an inactive $3.3 million cap hit into a tradable asset helps the rebuild path. From Brossoit's side it's a chance to prove he's still got game. If he looks good in Rockford, summer 2026 could include a fresh start for him elsewhere.