The Detroit Red Wings should look into an impending free-agent goalie amid trade speculation. Yes, that’s a conversation we’ve had before. But we wouldn’t be going down this road again if the offseason John Gibson trade had gone according to plan.
While Gibson hasn’t been an abject failure in Detroit, the deal hasn’t exactly paid off handsomely. Gibson, who was earmarked as the potential starting goalie this season, hasn’t run with the job. Instead, it’s been Cam Talbot who’s kept the Red Wings afloat this season.
But looking at the way November went, the Red Wings could use a boost in the crease. That’s why looking into Chicago Blackhawks goalie Laurent Brossoit could be a worthwhile endeavor.
Brossoit is apparently ready to return to the ice following hip surgery. While there’s no telling if he’s in tip-top shape, he could be an interesting depth option. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, Brossoit is healthy and available for a trade.
Now, some fans might think: Well, the Red Wings have two solid young goalies in Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine. So, why bring in another veteran goalie?
The question here is one of depth. Gibson doesn’t quite look like the starting netminder he once was. He’s not awful, but he’s just not the answer. Neither is Brossoit. But the Red Wings, looking at the situation they’re in, could use some insurance.
Detroit is a pedestrian 4-4-2 in its last 10 games. That’s been good enough to get them booted out of a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Talbot can’t play every game. That’s why, even if Brossoit can deliver league-average goaltending, he’d still be an upgrade over Gibson.
Red Wings could afford to carry three goalies this season
While Brossoit comes with a $3.3 million cap hit, that would only be for the remainder of this season. The Wings have a little over $16 million available, per PuckPedia. So, why not take a shot on a fully healthy Brossoit? Of course, that’s the operative term, “fully healthy.” Teams will certainly be looking into Brossoit, but may be turned off by his injury history.
Still, it’s a low-risk move as he’s only got this season left on his current deal. If he works out, the Red Wings could look into keeping him beyond this season. It’s worth pointing out that Talbot is a free agent after this season.
And no, I’m not advocating for the Red Wings to go with a Gibson-Brossoit tandem next season. But having Brossoit around could be an interesting insurance policy just in case Sebastian Cossa isn’t ready to play 50 games next season.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last few seasons, is that successful playoff teams could use three NHL-caliber goalies during the regular season.
Ultimately, this trade idea hinges on one crucial element: The asking price for Brossoit. If the Blackhawks want to take someone to the cleaners, the Red Wings should pass. But then again, wouldn’t this trade make a lot of sense if it became a 1-for-1, that is, a Gibson-for-Brossoit trade?