The Blackhawks don’t have a goaltending problem at the top of the depth chart. Spencer Knight stands as Chicago’s present and future in net, full stop. He’s the reliable backbone the team can build around.
Beyond Knight, there’s chatter among Blackhawks fans about who will back him up.
As for Laurent Brossoit, the initial plan for a lengthy stay in Rockford has shifted. He was recalled to Chicago and even skated with the Blackhawks in Toronto once the team arrived from Rockford. Now, Chicago placed him on waivers on Monday, hoping he clears so he can return to Rockford for more seasoning. Whether he actually clears is still up in the air.
This topic has generated a lot of discussion, so here’s my take: sending Arvid Söderblom to waivers or to Rockford right now isn’t ideal compared to keeping Brossoit as a longer-term depth option.
Brossoit has played only three NHL games in nearly two years, with all three appearances coming in the AHL. Everyone involved likely wants him to log more meaningful AHL experience before feeling confident he can contribute at the NHL level.
If the Blackhawks are already shopping Brossoit, they probably wouldn’t risk exposing Söderblom to waivers. The bigger risk is that Brossoit, once healthy enough to start playing, could only remain on a Rockford rehab assignment for three games before the team would have to recall him.
If another club were to claim Brossoit at full price ($3.3 million) based on three AHL starts in two years, that would be surprising. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where a team is so desperate to take that risk.
Söderblom performed adequately last season, though he’s facing increased pressure and needs to elevate his play. Fortunately, Drew Commesso is progressing in Rockford and moving closer to becoming an NHL-caliber goalie.
We’ll learn later today whether Brossoit cleared waivers. If he clears and he can string together a few healthy, solid performances in Rockford, this whole debate will likely be revisited. In the meantime, Söderblom knows the pressure is on to perform and secure his No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
