Blackhawks Could Need to Trade Goalie Soon

Chicago Blackhawks will likely need to trade away one or more goaltenders at some point this season. Petr Mrazek serves as starter, while Laurent Brossoit’s injury has rendered him unavailable, with Arvid Soderblom taking advantage of this season to flourish as backup/second option despite this opportunity being presented him. Furthermore, Drew Commesso has proven himself worthy of playing time for both teams and is performing admirably in AHL where he should remain. Commesso has had ample opportunities to prove himself since Soderblom joined the NHL, providing Commesso with enough space and experience to assume starting goalkeeping duties for Chicago Blackhawks. Although still somewhat off his game in terms of NHL goaltending capabilities, Adam Gajan remains available through NCAA development teams as a backup solution. He’s seen as their future goalie prospect and will likely serve as one of their starters going forward, which makes for plenty of goalies on their roster and quite the daunting prospect. It is, however, a good problem to have on their hands. Teams should pay a premium for goaltending services given how difficult this season has been for most goalies and with many being placed under tremendous strain in net. Both Mason Krausek and Joseph Brossoit have proven themselves capable of handling goalkeeping responsibilities with proficiency over recent seasons; both veterans have recently extended their contracts until next season. Brossoit has an ongoing meniscus injury which lingers. So when he finally returns, when it is his turn he may still deal with this condition and find himself playing part-time for the remainder of his contract. While having depth is certainly present for Chicago Blackhawks’ goaltenders, that situation shouldn’t arise as any team would wish for. Mrazek also isn’t having quite the season he put together in Chicago last season despite it not being too bad overall. Razek has maintained an almost equal quality start percentage and save percentage, though his save percentage dropped from.907 last season to.898 this time around. Although Razek has experienced various injuries throughout his career, the Blackhawks are taking steps to keep him healthier this season by being extra aware of any possible injuries to ensure they keep him out on the pitch for as many innings possible. Mrazek still started 11 of their 15 games despite that fact; however, as Mrazek turns 33 this season and age will eventually catch up to him. He’s done great work since joining the Blackhawks and I don’t see them moving on from him before his contract expires. Rolling with three goalies at any one time can never be ideal and even though Chicago offers several promising solutions they should avoid becoming one of those teams. Two goalies should more than be capable of handling the workload for any season. Soderblom has proven himself capable of playing NHL-caliber hockey; if Brossoit returns he may well be sent down without needing waivers being placed on him first. Soderblom can still be sent down without incurring penalty this season. He may dominate in the AHL now, but that could change soon if his play continues unabated – forcing Blackhawks into making changes now or later on down the road. When talking of trading one or more Blackhawks goalies away, now or later is usually best time. Chicago will have had all season to assess Brossoit and Soderblom and determine their statuses; so far he has played four games but boasts an impressive 2.27 GAA and.933 Save Percentage rating. Mrazek has not exactly faced easy opponents this season; most recently he stopped 37 of 39 shots from Dallas Stars’ Arvid Soderblom during their recent playoff match-up against him and his Blackhawks side lost. Let’s assume everything works out well for Mrazek, Brossoit, and Soderblom this time around – something which we cannot guarantee at this stage in their respective careers. Mrazek proves an effective starter, Brossoit makes his comeback and finishes strong while Soderblom remains consistent as an offensive threat; should they put him through waivers next season and he would likely be claimed by another team. As that would pose too great of a risk, and would likely result in them forfeiting an asset they need, Brossoit should likely be dealt. Yes, he performed admirably as the backup in Winnipeg last season with an impressive 2.05 GAA and.927 save percentage; however, just when he seemed poised for an increased workload due to injury this unfortunate setback occurred.The Blackhawks appear more concerned with looking ahead than current matters. The team added several pieces to assist their progress, but have yet to win big. Soderblom stands a greater chance at contributing long-term than Brossoit due to his age and potential. Brossoit does not appear to have any injury concerns and should find plenty of suitors given his impressive performances over previous seasons and his ability to become an offensive threat wherever he plays. The Blackhawks don’t need to hit an absolute homer run right away in order to prevent losing an asset to free agency without good reason. Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site regularly for up-to-date news, game day coverage, player features and other updates about your team! Here is some recent Blackhawks News that might interest you: Luke Richardson Provides Another Update On Laurent BrossoitArtyom Levshunov Scores His First AHL Goal in IceHogs Loss to GriffinsJamie Benn Tied NHL Record at Cost Of Blackhawksblackhawks Have Two Top-10 Drafted Scorers From College Hockey