The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned goaltender Laurent Brossoit to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) on a conditioning assignment. The move was announced on Tuesday, as the team looks to help Brossoit regain game readiness.
Conditioning assignments are a common practice in the NHL, typically used when a player has been recovering from an injury or has not had regular game action. While on a conditioning assignment, a player remains on the NHL team’s roster but is temporarily allowed to play in the AHL to prepare for a return to the main squad.
Brossoit, 32, signed with the Blackhawks during the offseason to add depth to the goaltending position. A veteran of multiple NHL seasons, he has previously played for teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights. Known for his reliable play as a backup goaltender, Brossoit has been a key option behind Chicago’s primary netminders.
Prior to the assignment, Brossoit had not seen significant time on the ice this regular season, prompting the organization to utilize the AHL stint to keep him in game shape. The IceHogs will provide Brossoit with the opportunity to get regular starts and maintain his competitiveness in goal.
The Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, focusing on development and roster evaluation. The goaltending depth, including prospects and veteran options, plays a crucial role in the team’s overall strategy. Assignments such as Brossoit’s are part of that process, ensuring players are ready should they be called upon at the NHL level.
Brossoit’s time in Rockford is expected to be limited to the duration allowed under NHL collective bargaining rules for conditioning stints, which typically last up to two weeks. During this time, the Blackhawks will monitor his performances closely as they evaluate their goaltending needs moving forward.
Further updates on Brossoit’s progress and return to the NHL lineup will be provided by the team as they become available.
