The Edmonton Oilers look like they’ve finally found their game after a sluggish start to the season. They’re coming off a 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday and have climbed to third place in the Pacific Division. Edmonton has now won five of its last seven games, an intense stretch that’s helped steady the ship.
With goaltending being a significant focus for the Oilers, recent roster moves have garnered considerable attention. Now, one of Edmonton’s rumored trade targets has unexpectedly hit waivers.
Edmonton Oilers Rumored Trade Target Unexpectedly Hits Waivers
That player is goaltender Laurent Brossoit. The Chicago Blackhawks placed Brossoit on waivers on Monday. But he went unclaimed. As a result, he’ll report to the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s AHL affiliate.
Clearing waivers could make it easier for the Blackhawks to trade Brossoit. Any team that acquires him would now have the flexibility to stash him in the AHL if needed, with the option of eventually bringing him up as an NHL backup.
The news sparked a plethora of reactions from fans online. One wrote, “Oilers should claim!” reflecting the belief that Brossoit could still be a useful option, particularly as a depth goalie.
Another fan took a more curious tone, asking, “What does this mean? That the Oilers can trade for him? Asking Chicago to retain.” This comment highlighted whether Edmonton could now explore a lower-risk trade, possibly with salary retention.
One user joked, “Can’t wait until Bowman pays Pickard and a 2nd for him,” poking fun at what some fans viewed as an overpayment in the Tristan Jarry trade.
Along similar lines, another fan wrote, “I will not be surprised if we see an Oilers trade with retention,” suggesting that if Edmonton revisits Brossoit, it would likely come with financial strings attached.
There was also a sense of nostalgia among some fans who remember Brossoit at his best. One comment read, “Y’all don’t know what it was like watching 2023 Brossoit man,” a nod to his strong performances before injuries derailed his momentum.
Not everyone was convinced, though. Skeptics were quick to point out the risk involved. One fan countered the excitement by saying, “He hasn’t played hockey in almost two years up until now lol, why would they do that,” referencing Brossoit’s lengthy recovery and limited recent game action.
Brossoit last played in the 2024 playoffs with Winnipeg and has missed about 18 months due to injury. Chicago hoped he would help stabilize the crease, but he’s now headed to the AHL.
With Edmonton recently trading Stuart Skinner for Tristan Jarry, it’s unclear whether the Oilers will still pursue Brossoit.
