Photo: Jerome Miron/Imagn Images

Blackhawks Injury Report: Discouraging Update on Laurent Brossoit

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated Nov 9, 2024 4:37 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks signed Laurent Brossoit to serve as their primary backup goalie for the 2024-25 season, but that plan has gone awry.

Brossoit underwent meniscus surgery on his right knee in the offseason and was expected to be out 5-7 weeks. That timeline bled into training camp and eventually the regular season, but the veteran netminder seemed to be making progress two weeks ago.

Head coach Luke Richardson said on Oct. 24 that Brossoit could potentially join the team on Halloween in San Jose, a plan that never materialized. When the Blackhawks returned home from a five-game road trip, Brossoit's status remained unclear.

Richardson provided discouraging news Saturday when he stated there's now no return timeline for Brossoit and his recovery process is murky.

Richardson said there’s no timeline for Laurent Brossoit. It has taken way longer than expected from him to recover from his meniscus surgery, and it’s basically an unknown at this point.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 9, 2024

While Brossoit and his $3.3 million annual salary cap hit remain sidelined, Arvid Soderblom has stepped up after enduring major struggles last season.

The Blackhawks lean heavily on Petr Mrazek in net, but Soderblom has shined when called upon. The Swedish backstop touts a .933 save percentage, 2.27 goals-against average, and 4.5 goals saved above average in four starts.

For the Blackhawks' and Brossoit's sake, they're lucky things have worked out between the pipes so far. They'll need that good fortune to continue as Brossoit's injury status remains clouded.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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