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Sharks acquire Laurent Brossoit from Blackhawks
Brossoit, 32, has not played in the NHL since the 2023-24 season. Apr 11, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Laurent Brossoit (39) skates back up the ice during the second period against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks are taking to a swing to improve their goaltending.

On Thursday, the Sharks acquired goaltender Laurent Brossoit, along with defenseman Nolan Allan and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defensemen Ryan Ellis, Jake Furlong, and a 2028 fourth-round pick.

Brossoit, 32, has not played in the NHL since the 2023-24 season with the Winnipeg Jets due to multiple health issues. After signing a two-year, $6.6 million deal with Chicago in July of 2024, the Port Alberni, British Columbia native underwent multiple arthroscopic knee surgeries that kept him out of the entire 2024-25 season. This past offseason Brossoit underwent hip surgery, which has prevented him from playing so far this season.

In early December, the Blackhawks activated Brossoit from the injured non-roster list and assigned him to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs on a conditioning stint. In six appearances for Rockford, he put up a .901 save percentage and a 3.38 goals against average.

The Sharks are hoping Brossoit reassumes the form he had as Connor Hellebuyck’s backup in Winnipeg. In 22 starts and 23 appearances for the Jets in 2023-24, he had a sterling 15-5-2 record with a .927 SV% and a 2.00 GAA.

San Jose certainly could use an upgrade in net. With 3.49 goals allowed per game this season, they rank 30th in the NHL.

Allan was Chicago’s first-round draft pick (32nd overall) in 2021. While he’s spent most of his career at the AHL level so far, he did put up a goal and seven assists in 43 games for the Blackhawks last season.

Ellis hasn’t played since the 2021-22 season due to a back injury, so Chicago is merely acquiring his contract which they can move to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) for cap relief.

Furlong was San Jose’s fifth-round pick in 2022, and has yet to play at the NHL level. In 12 games with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda this season, he has two assists.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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