The Chicago Blackhawks are taking an important step in their rebuilding process. They’ve secured top picks like Connor Bedard who went first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and in the latest 2024 Draft picking defenseman Artyom Levshunov.
Now it’s time for a step up from just aiming for a Top 1-3 pick in the draft every season. Goaltending, especially in the form of a backup, has been a big question mark recently in Chicago. But now they expect to have two solid goalies in net this upcoming season.
Starter: Petr Mrazek
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded goaltender Petr Mrazek and their 2022 first-round draft choice to Chicago for a Blackhawks’ 2022 second-round pick. Toronto got rid of the final two seasons on Mrazek’s contract and retained none of the $3.8 million per year cap hit.
In his first year as a Blackhawk, Mrazek recorded a 3.66 GAA (Goals Against Average) and a 0.894 Save Percentage in 39 games. It was a bad year overall filled with injuries and poor play, and the Blackhawks were also inept. Thus, they ended up with the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. The 2023-2024 season was much better for Mrazek as he played in 56 games with a 0.908 Save Percentage and 3.03 GAA. The Blackhawks still struggled, but Mrazek’s solid play earned him an extension.
Petr Mrazek signed a two-year $8,500,000 contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, including a $2,000,000 signing bonus, $8,500,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $4,250,000. In 2024-25, Mrazek will earn a base salary of $3,850,000 and a signing bonus of $1,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $4,250,000.
New Signing: Laurent Brossoit
In addition, Laurent Brossoit signed a two-year $6,600,000 contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, including a $2,000,000 signing bonus, $6,600,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $3,300,000. In 2024-25, Brossoit will earn a base salary of $2,300,000 along with a signing bonus of $1,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $3,300,000.
Brossoit underwent successful surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee, so he’s expected to miss 5-7 weeks and it’s unknown if he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Laurent had an absolutely stellar 2023-2024 season with the Winnipeg Jets, racking up a 2.00 GAA, with 15 wins, two shutouts, and a .927 Save Percentage.
Potential 3rd Goalie in The Mix?
With Laurent Brossoit potentially out to start the season, the Blackhawks might have to bring up another goalie to back up Petr Mrazek. This might be Arvid Soderblom who has NHL experience and was the backup last season.
Soderblom was not too well last season, sporting a 5-22-2 record, with a 3.92 GAA, and a .880 save percentage, but the Blackhawks would probably like someone with solid NHL experience to fill in short-term for Brossoit.
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