Chicago Blackhawks placing Stanley Cup Champion on waivers

The Blackhawks have made a decision to waive Laurent Brossoit, it may surprise fans because his recent return offered real stability for a club still searching for identity.

The 32-year-old carries a Stanley Cup ring from Vegas plus 131 NHL games, which adds weight to any roster he joins.

Chicago has yet to get a whiff of him this season after he recovered from injury, yet his solid save percentage and goals against average across his last two full years showed reliable depth.

Rumors typically flare when a veteran makes only $3.33 million, especially when he recorded a strong playoff run in 2023. Those details fueled the expectation that Davidson would flip him for a mid-draft asset.

Seeing him hit waivers instead leaves supporters uneasy. A Stanley Cup winner rarely clears, and the league-wide need for competent backups remains high.

Several contenders have struggled with injuries in goal, which makes a claim feel likely.

Davidson has done good work rebuilding the prospect pool, yet this situation tests his trade instincts more than usual.

The idea that Chicago could lose a proven veteran for nothing weakens the narrative of steady progress.

Ben Pope reported the move on Tuesday, adding clarity to the timing and intent. Brossoit heading back to Rockford never felt certain because strong depth always attracts attention. The market respects his calm positioning and controlled rebound game.

If he gets claimed, Chicago's safety net disappears and the front office must rethink its strategy. The IceHogs already rely on younger goalies, which heightens the significance of this decision. Replacing an experienced mentor creates challenges during a long season.

I think many fans simply wanted a trade attempt before resorting to waivers because that path offers closure. Instead, Chicago waits nervously, hoping not to watch a useful piece walk away for free.