3 Laurent Brossoit replacements for Blackhawks if goalie misses more than 5-7 weeks feat. Arvid Soderblom

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 29, 2024 17:01 GMT

Chicago Blackhawks netminder Laurent Brossoit underwent right knee surgery on Tuesday to repair the meniscus. Brossoit is expected to be out for about five to seven weeks.

The prognosis means that the Blackhawks will be without Brossoit for training camp and potentially the beginning of the season. However, there’s a chance that Brossoit’s recovery may take longer than expected, forcing Chicago to find alternatives until Brossoit is good to go.

Here are three options the Chicago Blackhawks can consider to replace Laurent Brossoit if he’s out longer than expected.

3 Laurent Brossoit replacements for Blackhawks

#1. Martin Jones

Jones spent last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs as the third-string netminder. Nevertheless, Jones found his way into the lineup when injuries took out Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll. Jones stepped in and played well enough to give the Leafs a shot at winning every game.

As a replacement for Brossoit, Jones could settle into a tandem role with Petr Mrazek. Most importantly, Jones is an experienced goaltender who could handle a fair number of starts.

If the Blackhawks sign Jones to a league-minimum deal, they could get him on board for as long as needed. Jones could also be sent down to the minors once Brossoit returns.

#2. Antti Raanta

Raanta has played well throughout his career, delivering solid goaltending. However, Raanta’s overall performance has declined over the last few seasons. Last year, Raanta had a tough season, starting 20 games, posting a 2.99 GAA and a .872 SV% with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Those numbers prompted the Canes to move on from Raanta. Nevertheless, Raanta could step in behind Mrazek, playing a decent backup role. While Raanta is far from a full-time starter, he could provide some insurance once Brossoit returns.

In particular, Raanta could carve out a key role in the AHL, allowing the Blackhawks to recall him if he’s ever needed.

#3. Arvid Soderblom

The most immediate replacement for Brossoit is Soderblom. He played 32 games last season. However, his numbers were far from impressive, as he posted a 3.92 GAA and a .880 SV%. Those numbers are hardly the hallmark of a starting goaltender.

Nevertheless, Soderblom could back up Mrazek until Brossoit gets back into action. Hopefully, the Blackhawks won’t have to rely on Soderblom to start more than a handful of games until Brossoit returns.

It’s worth noting that Soderblom is still a young goaltender. As such, another shot at playing for the Blackhawks could allow Soderblom to develop into a solid NHL netminder.