One pending free agent for the Winnipeg Jets this offseason is Laurent Brossoit. The Jets’ backup goaltender is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 28 unless the Jets and Brossoit agree to a deal before that all-important date.
Going into the 2021 season, the Jets signed Brossoit to a one-year deal with an average annual value of $1,500,000. This deal paid off substantially for the Jets as Brossoit played outstanding.
In his fourteen games played and eleven starts, the twenty-eight-year-old had a 6-6-0 record with a 2.42 goals against average, .918 save percentage, and one shutout. He was also our site’s pick for the Jets 2021 “Seventh Man Award.”
The Winnipeg Jets need to resign Laurent Brossoit
Brossoit showed last season that he is reliable and the perfect goaltender to give Connor Hellebuyck a rest while still giving Winnipeg a great chance to pick up two points from each game he starts.
Not to mention out of most of the pending UFA goaltenders, Brossoit has a much lower AAV than most backup netminders whose contracts are expiring.
Sports Illustrated along with The Hockey News has even listed Brossoit as one of the “10 Interesting UFA Goalies to Watch in 2021” and noted his excellent save percentage this past season.
The Port Alberni, British Columbia native can definitely be a valuable asset for the Jets in the 2021-2022 season without being a substantial hit to their salary cap. Brossoit has had great stats in two out of his prior three seasons with the Jets and is someone who can start around 20 games in a full 82 game season.
If the Jets decide not to extend Brossoit’s contract, there is a good chance that Mikhail Berdin may make the jump to the NHL after playing and performing well the past three seasons in the AHL including an outstanding stint in the KHL before this season began. One main issue with Berdin is that if the Jets do not protect him in the expansion draft or work out a deal with Seattle, he may be of interest to the Kraken in their draft (article coming soon!).
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you think the Winnipeg Jets should resign Brossoit or should they sign a different free agent goaltender and/or promote a prospect? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by the NHL*