The Winnipeg Jets signed UFA goaltender Laurent Brossoit to a new contract today. This contract, worth a total of $1.75 million, carries him through the 2023-24 season. On a one-year deal, Brossoit re-unites with the franchise where he had over 50% of his career starts to-date.
Laurent Brossoit Signs New Contract via Free Agency
In two seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, Brossoit went 17-9-6 as their number-two goaltender. His first year, Brossoit played second fiddle to Robin Lehner. However, youngster Logan Thompson also got into the mix and wound up with stronger stats in just five fewer games than Brossoit. The crowded net only got worse from there, an early sign that Brossoit’s next contract would be elsewhere.
So, going into year two in Vegas, the starting job went to Thompson. Additionally, Vegas added Adin Hill to assist, since Lehner would be unavailable with injury. Eventually, Thompson too went out with an injury of his own, leaving Hill and Brossoit to split duties. Amazingly, the injuries didn’t end there. Hill, too, fell to the injury bug.
Vegas acquired Jonathan Quick at the trade deadline, so it fell to Quick and Brossoit to finish the season. Brossoit started the postseason as their number-one guy, and got them through to the second round. Then, Brossoit himself wound up injured. When all was said and done, though, Brossoit’s name wound up on the Stanley Cup, though it was Hill manning the net in those final three rounds of the playoffs.
What this Means for the Future
Aside from Brossoit’s contract, the Jets also acquired Collin Delia via free agency. Both Delia and Brossoit have Vegas as a former spot in common, and added to their value in their tenure in Sin City. Obviously, Brossoit did so at a higher level, and Winnipeg hopes he may be able to take over as a number one goalie.
Yes, Hellebuyck remains in the fold, for now. But that could change in the very near future. It could also take until mid-season, in which case he and Brossoit remain arguably a top-five goalie tandem in the NHL. The fact Brossoit’s contract stands at just one year, though, suggests they have no long-term decision yet in goal.
So, 2022-23 gives Brossoit an opportunity to become a bonafide starting goalie in the NHL. The better he plays, the more he plays. And the more he plays, the higher his value climbs for next season. Expect a heavy push this season from the career backup, as he hopes to build on a strong season in Vegas.
Maint photo by: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
