The San Jose Sharks have made a significant roster move by acquiring defenseman Nolan Allan, goaltender Laurent Brossoit, and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks. In return, the Sharks have sent defenseman Jake Furlong, a 2028 fourth-round pick, and the contract of retired defenseman Ryan Ellis to Chicago.
Brossoit is the most notable addition for San Jose, but the addition of Allan is particularly intriguing. Drafted in the first round by the Blackhawks in 2021, Allan has spent the entirety of the current season in the AHL with Rockford. The 22-year-old gained NHL experience last season, playing alongside veteran T.J. Brodie, and recorded eight points with a -13 rating in 43 games. Despite his solid pedigree as a shutdown defenseman, Allan’s development has not matched the expectations set by Chicago, leading to his eventual departure.
Allan’s statistics reveal a challenging time in Rockford, where he accumulated just 29 points over 109 games in the AHL. As the Blackhawks’ prospect pool evolved with younger defensemen like Alex Vlasic and Kevin Korchinski, Allan’s pathway to the NHL diminished, leading to Chicago’s decision to trade him.
For the Sharks, Allan adds potential depth to a blue line that isn’t as strong compared to their overall prospect pool. Although Sam Dickinson is positioned as their long-term left-side anchor, the team needed additional younger pieces to bolster their defensive line. Allan is expected to play a significant role with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda as he aims to revive his NHL ambitions.
Meanwhile, Brossoit, 32, is seeking a fresh start after overcoming a lengthy absence due to injuries. Once regarded as one of the best backups in the league, he signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks in 2024 but had his career derailed by a meniscus injury. Having recently returned to play, Brossoit has shown promise in Rockford, posting a .901 save percentage and a 3.38 goals against average over six games. His arrival in San Jose should provide a boost to the Sharks’ goaltending depth, particularly as he steps in as a reliable third-string option behind Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic.
On the Blackhawks’ side, the return centered around Ryan Ellis, whose contract has become a valuable asset as Chicago navigates its financial structure. Ellis, who has not played since 2021 due to injuries, was recently acquired by the Sharks to help them meet the cap floor. His presence continues to assist Chicago in maintaining flexibility in their roster as they integrate younger prospects into the lineup.
In addition to securing a three-round upgrade in the 2028 draft, Chicago also acquires Furlong, a young defenseman looking to find his footing at the pro level. Furlong has struggled to make an impact in his AHL career thus far, but the deal allows the Blackhawks to gain much-needed depth in their organization.
This trade showcases the ongoing shifts teams are making to optimize their rosters as they look towards both immediate and long-term goals. The Sharks aim to strengthen their defensive capabilities, while the Blackhawks continue to reshape their future with an eye towards building a more competitive roster.