The Chicago Blackhawks are going to be without Laurent Brossoit for even more time then initially expected.

On Friday, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson updated that Brossoit had underwent a second surgery on his right knee and is expected to miss at least six more weeks. The Blackhawks signed Brossoit this past offseason, one of their major acquisitions to help boost the team.

Unfortunately fans have not had an opportunity to see Brossoit in a Blackhawks uniform as a summer injury turned into Brossoit missing the preseason, but expected to come back within a few weeks. Then, after hearing very little and seeing Brossoit on the ice practicing just a few times, the Hawks have now updated that Brossoit would be out for even more time.

Brossoit missing at least six more weeks puts his return to play now in the middle of January. That could have a major impact on the Hawks roster, especially in the crease.

How Laurent Brossoit’s injury impacts the Blackhawks

With Brossoit out for six more weeks, the Blackhawks will need to lean on Arvid Soderblom and Petr Mrazek in the meantime. Entering the season, Mrazek and Brossoit looked to be a great tandem and a major improvement over last season’s pairing of Mrazek and Soderblom.

In Brossoit’s absence, Soderblom has stepped up to the challenge, posting a .926 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.36. That is a major improvement from last season where in 32 games Soderblom registerd a 3.92 goals against average and s ave percentage of just .880.

Across 29 starts last season, Soderblom played in just five wins, with a record of 5-22-2. Soderblom being with the Hawks into January will impact his waiver status as he is four games away from 60 career games played and will then no longer be waiver exempt.

So, once Brossoit does return, it is likely Chicago will have to carry three goaltenders as Soderblom would not clear waivers if he was sent down, especially with so many teams struggling with injuries in the crease. The Hawks carrying three netminders would take up an additional roster spot that could go to a seventh defenseman or 13th forward, which would complicate things for Chicago.

Kyle Davidson signed Brossoit to a two year contract carrying a $3.3 million cap hit this summer. Brossoit, 31, missing so much time definitely is a loss for the franchise. Last season, Brossoit played in 23 games with the Winnipeg Jets and registered a career best .927 save percentage. It looked like Brossoit and Mrazek would form a really strong duo, both capable of potentially working as a true 1A 1B tandem, not a traditional starter backup.

Did the Blackhawks finally find the right line combinations?

With Brossoit out for another month plus, expect Soderblom to get a bigger opportunity to play. So far he has started in just six games, and now the Hawks might as well use this time to see if he can be a potential starter long term.