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The Montreal Canadiens should look into bringing in some goaltending insurance, with a veteran netminder a potential option.
The most recent trade chatter has placed the Montreal Canadiens in the hunt for potential goaltending insurance. The Habs’ inconsistent showing in the crease has added to GM Kent Hughes’ long wish list this Christmas.
But there might be a solution for the Canadiens, at least in the crease. Veteran netminder Laurent Brossoit of the Chicago Blackhawks is reportedly getting set to return to the ice. The 33-year-old goalie is returning from hip surgery and looking to prove he can still play in the NHL.
Given the Blackhawks’ crowded crease, the chatter surrounding Brossoit and the Blackhawks is that Chicago is willing to move him for seemingly nothing. If Brossoit is indeed ready for NHL action, he could be a viable option for the Canadiens.
The Blackhawks, as rumor has it, are willing to let Brossoit go for peanuts as long as the other party can take on his full cap hit. That’s a $3.3 million cap hit for this season only. Brossoit is in the final year of a two-year, $6.6 million contract.
Under such circumstances, the Canadiens really have nothing to lose. They have nearly $6 million in cap space. That’s actually good, considering that the club does not have any money tied up in LTIR.
The Habs could easily add Brossoit’s cap hit without bankrupting the club’s cap structure. If the Blackhawks are really willing to let Brossoit go for, say, a seventh-round pick, or even future considerations, the Canadiens would be remiss if they didn’t at least kick the tires.
Canadiens Get an Experienced Goalie in Brossoit
Brossoit has been by no means a full-fledged NHL starter. He last served as Connor Helleybuck’s backup in Winnipeg. After his contract expired following the 2024 playoffs, Brossoit caught on with the Blackhawks.
However, surgery caused him to miss the entire season last year. But this season, Brossoit is apparently back to full strength. If that’s the case, the Canadiens could get a capable, experienced netminder who could help Montembeault or Dobes shoulder the load.
Potentially, the Canadiens could roll with Dobes and Brossoit. Perhaps a stint in the AHL could help Montembeault push the reset button.
The Canadiens could, alternatively, send Dobes down to the AHL, as he is waivers-exempt. That would seem like the easiest move. However, Dobes has played better than Montembeault this season. So, it would make more sense to roll with a Dobes-Brossoit duo.
Habs Could Carry Three Goalies
There’s always the possibility the Canadiens could carry three goalies. They have the cap space to do it. Plus, Brossoit will need some time to become reacclimated to the NHL. That’s why carrying three goalies for some time could be a viable alternative for Montreal.
Additionally, the compressed schedule this season has wreaked havoc on clubs. Players are getting hurt at higher rates than usual, especially goaltenders. That reality has made it increasingly important for teams to have at least three NHL-capable netminders.
That’s what a healthy Brossoit could do for the Canadiens. Brossoit would not be the Hab’s savior in the crease. But he could deliver the sort of stability the team needs at this point.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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