Home › Forums › Chicago Blackhawks › Hawks Notebook: Resetting & Big Decisions
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CoachFrenchy.
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December 18, 2025 at 10:22 am #55437
CoachFrenchy
Participant1- The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to turn the page quickly after a difficult loss in Toronto, one that lingered in the room longer than most. Foll
[See the full post at: Hawks Notebook: Resetting & Big Decisions]December 18, 2025 at 5:33 pm #55488LAHawk
Participant1- The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to turn the page quickly after a difficult loss in Toronto, one that lingered in the room longer than most. Foll[See the full post at: Hawks Notebook: Resetting & Big Decisions]
Frenchy, do you really think they would retain on Broissart? That only leaves one retention spot left. As I mentioned in the general comments, with the new rules of teams having to be cap compliant for the playoffs (and a players salary is not apportioned as it is if the player is acquired after the season starts), how could KD move a Mikhayev, Dickinson, Murphy, etc. without retention, or taking back an overpaid/bad contract to go with a draft choice.
December 18, 2025 at 6:59 pm #55491BetweenTheDots
ParticipantI have to admit Frenchy I’ve been bummed since the unnecessary injury to Bedard with a dirty cross check.
They’ll be lucky to win 1 out of 4 games until his return. Bad news for the league on 2 fronts, people paying to watch Bedard can’t and it’ll give us another top 10 pick, possibly top 5 draft pick to add to the roster and if we win the lotto be it number 1 or 2 then I’d say i guess things happen for a reason.
So let the league keep calling penalties on us if we are winning with 5 minutes left in the game and continue to allow the cheap shots, in time these young kids will become mean bastards because it’s either join them or go play hockey in another league.
December 18, 2025 at 8:46 pm #55532Duffman101315
ParticipantI was surprised Bedard was taking the face off with a second to go .Then the injury on top. Then being a southern Ontario boy I was just sick at the way they lost to TO . On a different front I was wondering why the HAWKS don’t give Brossoit a look ,he was a good signing until the injury .Could they not sent Soderboom down without waivers ,if not I get it . Hate to see them retain salary unless they get a 3rd pick at least .
December 18, 2025 at 9:34 pm #55560Metalhead
ParticipantOn a different front I was wondering why the HAWKS don’t give Brossoit a look ,he was a good signing until the injury .Could they not sent Soderboom down without waivers ,if not I get it .
Soderblom is not waivers exempt, though he might get through if they tried it.
After Brossoit finished his consitioning stint, the Hawks had/have no back-to-back games until Dec 27th/28th.
That would be the next time they need the backup, unless they want extra rest for Knight.
If they send Toninato back down, they could temporarily roster 3 goalies to give Brossoit a game.December 18, 2025 at 9:51 pm #55570Duffman101315
ParticipantOh ok . Thanks . Would like to see him get a game or two before they decide
December 19, 2025 at 10:08 am #55634CoachFrenchy
ParticipantThat’s a really good point, and you’re absolutely right to bring up the retention limit and the new cap-compliance rules for the playoffs.
That said, the Brossoit situation doesn’t have to be decided right now. If he performs well over the next 4–6 weeks, his situation can be revisited later in the season. There’s no urgency to burn a retention spot immediately.
It’s also important to remember that the trade value of most Blackhawks players right now isn’t great. Moving contracts like Mikheyev, Dickinson, or Murphy without retention is extremely difficult in the current market, unless you’re willing to take back an overpaid contract attached to a draft pick.
If a contender runs into LTIR issues or season-ending injuries, that could open a door closer to the deadline — but even then, the return likely won’t be significant. At this stage, it’s more about flexibility and timing than forcing a move.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment — these are exactly the kind of cap and asset-management discussions that matter moving forward.
December 19, 2025 at 10:16 am #55637CoachFrenchy
ParticipantI understand the frustration — losing Bedard like that is tough, especially given how important he is to the team and the league. I’m not dismissing how it felt to watch, but I’m simply relaying what Blashill said afterward, calling it a freaky injury. That’s the information we have from the coach.
That said, there’s no question the Blackhawks are not the same team without Bedard. The last few games have made that very clear. Offense, puck possession, and confidence all take a hit when your best player is out.
At the same time, if you zoom out, another bottom-five finish isn’t necessarily bad news for where this organization is. The 2026 NHL Draft top five looks very strong, with a mix of high-end talent and size, which fits exactly what this roster still needs.
This is still a rebuild, and the most important thing right now isn’t squeezing out meaningless wins — it’s the development of the young core. If adversity forces these players to mature, get stronger, and play through contact, that’s part of the process.
Appreciate you sharing your perspective — these are fair emotions to have as a fan during a rebuild.
December 19, 2025 at 10:20 am #55640CoachFrenchy
ParticipantThanks for your comment — and I get where you’re coming from. Seeing Bedard take that faceoff with a second left was surprising, and then for it to end in an injury just made the whole situation worse. It’s tough for him personally and obviously tough for the team as well.
As for Brossoit, I agree — he was a solid signing before the injury. Right now, he’s still working his way back to full form, but I think January is a realistic window where things could change. If Soderblom continues to struggle, we could very well see Brossoit get a look with the big club. It would also make sense from an asset-management standpoint, possibly showcasing him for other teams.
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