Chicago Blackhawks
Ex-Oiler Goalie Could Overhaul Crease If Edmonton Made Waiver Claim
Should the Edmonton Oilers overhaul their goaltending and claim Laurent Brossoit on waivers? It’s not that easy.
Goaltender Laurent Brossoit was back in Chicago after his AHL conditioning stint this week. Then, on Monday afternoon, the team placed him on waivers. The former Edmonton Oilers’ netminder has been loosely linked to the team as rumors have surrounded their goaltending situation, and this waiver move opens up an opportunity to grab him for free.
It’s unclear if the Oilers are still in the market for a goalie. After trading Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak for Tristan Jarry, perhaps Edmonton has placed its bet on the goaltender it wants and believes it needs. But, if GM Stan Bowman is looking to completely overhaul the crease — in much the same way the Colorado Avalanche successfully did last season — placing a waiver claim on Brossoit is an option.
This type of move is not without consequence or risk.
First, the Oilers would need to make the money work. Claiming Brossoit off waivers means taking on his full cap hit of $3.3 million. That’s not doable without other moves. The Oilers had to give up pieces they didn’t want to for the Jarry trade to work logistically. To add another $3.3 million means more pieces going out, and Calvin Pickard going on waivers ($1 million) won’t cut it.
Second, Brossoit is coming off an injury. To put the fate of the Oilers’ goaltending on the shoulders of Jarry and Brossoit, both of whom have had health issues in the past year, would be a significant gamble.
Bringing in Brossoit At All Gets Complicated
Some fans are suggesting that if Brossoit clears waivers, the Oilers should try and make a trade, moving Pickard for a 50% retained Brossoit. There’s no guarantee the Blackhawks are open to that kind of move; it doesn’t solve Edmonton’s cap problem, and it doesn’t change the injury situation.
On the surface, it’s easy to see why some fans might see his name on waivers and jump on the wagon that is adding Brossoit for free. However, it wouldn’t be for free at all.
Next: Penguins and Panthers Could Team Up On Ultimate Oilers Gut-Punch Skinner Trade
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