Elliotte Friedman explains why the Blackhawks and Sharks recently made a trade

There was a trade yesterday in the National Hockey League involving both the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, who traded Ryan Ellis and Jake Furlon along with a fourth round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft to the Blackhawks for Laurent Brossoit, Nolan Allan and a seventh round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.

Brossoit, who hasn't played in the NHL since 2024 with the Winnipeg Jets, could represent goaltending insurance for the Sharks as they look to make a stretch drive toward what would be their first playoff spot since 2019, per a report from NHL analyst Elliott Friedman.

Ryan Ellis' contract would also help the Blackhawks reach the salary cap floor.

Brossoit has been playing with the AHL affiliate Rockford IceHogs, and has gone 3-3 with a .901 SV% in his return to professional play for the first time since 2024.

Brossoit had to undergo surgery not long after he was signed to a two-year deal with the Blackhawks in 2024 with an AAV (average annual value) of $3.3 million, and he has not played at the NHL level since he last appeared in a Jets sweater.

He will likely report to the Sharks' AHL affiliate San Jose Barracuda, and be available to be called up to the Sharks in case of injury.

Goaltending depth is never a bad thing, and the Sharks picked up an inexpensive piece with plenty of NHL experience to have available if need be, a prudent move from GM Mike Grier.

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