The glare of the arena lights in Dallas barely touched the icy determination in Laurent Brossoit’s eyes as he glided across the crease, every movement whispering the promise of stability that Montreal fans crave. On a night when the Winnipeg Jets battled the Dallas Stars, few could have predicted that this 6-foot-3 goaltender—quietly amassing one of the most impressive save percentages in recent memory—would soon be at the center of a potential rescue mission for the floundering Montreal Canadiens. Yet, as rumors swirl and insiders drop hints, Brossoit’s name has become the hottest topic in the city where goaltending woes threaten to derail an entire season.

The numbers are impossible to ignore. Samuel Montembeault, once hailed as Montreal’s answer between the pipes, now holds the dubious distinction of being the NHL’s statistical cellar-dweller among starting goalies, with a save percentage that has fans and analysts alike shaking their heads in disbelief. Jakub Dobes, the rookie, flashes moments of brilliance but remains frustratingly inconsistent—a reality that’s understandable for a newcomer but unforgiving for a team desperate to climb the standings. The pressure is mounting, and every soft goal echoes like a warning bell through the Bell Centre.

Enter Kent Hughes, the Canadiens’ general manager, whose phone has been buzzing with offers, rumors, and the kind of late-night negotiations that can change the fate of a franchise. NHL insiders Frank Seravalli and David Pagnotta have fanned the flames, listing established names like Jordan Binnington, Elvis Merzlikins, and Tristan Jarry as possible trade targets. But it’s Elliotte Friedman’s revelation that has sent shockwaves through Montreal: Laurent Brossoit, currently with the Chicago Blackhawks, is reportedly available for next to nothing—possibly just a late-round pick or future considerations if the Canadiens are willing to absorb his $3.3 million cap hit.

For a city obsessed with goaltending legends, this is more than a rumor—it’s a lifeline. Brossoit, at 32 years old, brings the kind of pedigree that Montreal hasn’t seen since the glory days of Carey Price. His career .911 save percentage, 2.64 goals-against average, and recent .927 performances with the Jets stand in stark contrast to Montembeault’s career .897. Last season alone, Brossoit posted a stunning 1.99 GAA and a 15-5-2 record, numbers that scream reliability and playoff potential.

But is this too good to be true? What’s behind Chicago’s willingness to part with such a steady presence in net for almost nothing? Is there a catch, or is this the kind of deal that could transform Montreal’s fortunes overnight? Hughes faces a tantalizing decision: pull the trigger and potentially stabilize the crease for the next two seasons, or hesitate and risk watching the Canadiens sink further into mediocrity.

As whispers of a trade intensify, fans are left to wonder: Would you give up a seventh-round pick for a goalie who could save your season? Is Brossoit the missing piece, or just another name in a long line of stopgap solutions? One thing is certain—the next move Kent Hughes makes could be remembered for years to come. Keep reading, because the answer to Montreal’s goaltending crisis may be closer, and cheaper, than anyone ever imagined.

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens need to act to fix the team’s goaltending problems if they want to avoid sliding down the standings.

Samuel Montembeault has a .861 save percentage in 14 games this season; he is statistically the worst number-one goalie in the NHL, and young Jakub Dobes remains inconsistent, which is normal for a rookie goaltender.

Frank Seravalli reported that Hughes is trying to complete a trade to bring in help in goal, and David Pagnotta echoed the same information, naming Jordan Binnington (Blues), Elvis Merzlikins (Blue Jackets), and Tristan Jarry (Penguins) as potential options currently available on the trade market.

Goaltender Laurent Brossoit is reportedly available almost for free from the Chicago Blackhawks

As reported by Friedman, here’s a potential gift for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens.

“Elliotte Friedman: Someone said to me, if you were willing to take the full number [$3.3m] for Laurent Brossoit…a late round pick or future considerations; if you’re asking for Chicago to retain…you’ll probably have to do a little bit more.”

– FAN Hockey Show

Elliotte Friedman: Someone said to me, if you were willing to take the full number [$3.3m] for Laurent Brossoit…a late round pick or future considerations; if you’re asking for Chicago to retain…you’ll probably have to do a little bit more – FAN Hockey Show (12/2)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) December 4, 2025

Kent Hughes needs to do it!

Laurent Brossoit, 32, is a 6-foot-3, 203-pound goaltender with a career record of 64 wins, 46 losses, and 13 overtime losses in the NHL, along with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage.

In his most recent season with the Winnipeg Jets, he posted a 15-5-2 record, a 1.99 goals-against average, and a .927 save percentage.
The season before that? Also .927.

That’s very solid and far superior to Samuel Montembeault’s career .897. And you – would you trade a 7th-round pick to acquire goaltender Laurent Brossoit?

He earns 3.3 million dollars, but his contract expires in July 2026.