San Jose Sharks acquire Laurent Brossoit from Chicago Blackhawks

The San Jose Sharks made a notable move ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, acquiring goaltender Laurent Brossoit from the Chicago Blackhawks. In exchange, the Blackhawks received defensemen Ryan Ellis and Jake Furlong, along with a 2028 fourth-round pick. The Sharks also picked up defenseman Nolan Allan and a 2028 seventh-round pick in the deal announced on January 8, 2026.

This trade addresses key needs for both teams. San Jose bolsters its goaltending depth with an experienced netminder, while Chicago sheds some prospect capital and absorbs a high cap hit contract. Details emerged from ESPN’s coverage, highlighting the strategic maneuvers.

Trade details

The Sharks sent Ryan Ellis, a veteran defenseman sidelined since November 2021, along with promising AHLer Jake Furlong and their 2028 fourth-rounder to Chicago. In return, they gained Brossoit, 22-year-old Nolan Allan, and a late-round pick. This multi-asset swap reflects calculated risk-taking by Sharks GM Mike Grier.

Ellis carries a hefty $6.25 million cap hit through 2026-27, a burden now shifted to Chicago. At 35 years old, he has not played in over four seasons due to persistent injuries. The move clears significant cap space for San Jose, freeing resources for other roster tweaks.

Furlong, a 21-year-old fifth-round pick from 2022, has shown promise with two assists in 12 games for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda this season. His departure stings slightly, but the Sharks retain depth on the blue line. Chicago views him as a developmental piece with upside.

Nolan Allan, heading to San Jose, was Chicago’s 32nd overall pick in 2021. The 22-year-old has notched two goals and four assists in 29 AHL games with Rockford this year. Last season, he debuted in the NHL with one goal and seven assists in 43 games.

The picks involved are both from 2028, with Chicago sending a seventh-rounder back. Such conditional assets often sweeten deals without immediate impact. TSN reported the trade’s completion Thursday afternoon.

Overall, the package balances immediate help for San Jose against future potential for Chicago. It underscores the midseason trade market’s focus on goaltending stability.

Laurent Brossoit’s journey to San Jose

Brossoit signed a two-year, $6.6 million deal with Chicago on July 1, 2024, but injuries derailed his tenure. A meniscus operation on his right knee sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season. He returned from offseason hip surgery to play in the minors this year, showcasing resilience.

His standout 2023-24 campaign came with Winnipeg, where he posted a 15-5-2 record, 2.00 GAA, and .927 save percentage in 23 games. That performance marked him as a reliable backup capable of starting stretches. Brossoit, now 32, brings proven NHL experience.

Drafted sixth-round by Calgary in 2011, Brossoit has suited up for Edmonton, Vegas, and Winnipeg. Career totals: 64-46-13, 2.64 GAA, .911 SV% in 140 games. His Golden Knights stint included Stanley Cup Final action in 2023.

San Jose’s goaltending has struggled this season, making Brossoit a welcome addition. He could compete for starts immediately, offering stability. Expectations center on his health holding up post-surgeries.

Brossoit’s veteran presence aids a young Sharks roster. Mentorship in net proves invaluable during rebuilds. His track record suggests he thrives in tandem tandems.

This acquisition positions Brossoit for a rebound year. Fans anticipate his debut against familiar Western Conference foes.

Ryan Ellis and Jake Furlong head to Chicago

Ryan Ellis lands in Chicago after years of injury woes. The former Nashville star turned 35 recently and hasn’t logged NHL time since 2021. His $6.25 million AAV now burdens the Blackhawks’ cap sheet.

Chicago might buy out or bury Ellis in the minors to manage finances. The move clears dead weight for San Jose while providing Blackhawks with trade fodder later. It’s a salary dump disguised as asset exchange.

Jake Furlong arrives as the prospect prize. At 21, he’s adapting to pro hockey with the Barracuda. Chicago’s rebuild benefits from young defenders like him.

Furlong’s skating and puck-moving skills fit modern NHL blueprints. Development time in Rockford could accelerate his path. Blackhawks fans see potential top-six upside.

The duo addresses Chicago’s defensive depth issues short-term. Yet, Ellis’s contract looms large. GMs often flip such deals for picks.

This influx bolsters Chicago’s farm system incrementally.

Implications for the Sharks

San Jose gains goaltending certainty, crucial for lottery positioning. Brossoit elevates a tandem prone to inconsistency. Pairing him with prospects accelerates growth.

Nolan Allan’s addition fortifies blue-line depth. His NHL taste last year hints at readiness. Sharks could see him in San Jose soon.

Cap relief from Ellis empowers deadline spending. Grier eyes forwards next, per rumors. Rebuilding smartly defines this era.

Brossoit’s Winnipeg success translates to California. Expect 20+ starts if healthy. His .927 SV% benchmark excites.

Young roster benefits from vets like Brossoit. Leadership stabilizes chaos. Playoff drought ends with pieces like this.

Long-term, 2028 picks matter little in rebuilds. Focus stays present.

What it means for the Blackhawks

Chicago sheds Brossoit, who never played despite signing. Injuries wasted his contract. Furlong and Ellis partially offset.

Taking Ellis’s cap hit risks cap crunch. Yet, youth influx aligns with Connor Bedard core. Patience defines their path.

Allan’s departure stings less with Furlong incoming. Fourth-rounder adds draft capital. Blackhawks stockpile assets.

Defensive pipeline strengthens. Furlong projects as steady NHLer. Ellis? Likely LTIR candidate.

Trade signals buying low on prospects. GM Kyle Davidson builds deliberately. Playoff push distant.

Fanbase mixed: cap pain versus future gains.

This deal reshapes both franchises subtly. Sharks chase stability; Blackhawks hoard talent. Watch Brossoit’s debut for early clues on success—his health dictates impact in San Jose’s net. Chicago’s youth movement gains traction amid cap gymnastics.