Chicago Makes Moves With San Jose in Four-Player Deal
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired young defenseman Jake Furlong, veteran Ryan Ellis, and a 2028 fourth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, in a strategic trade that addresses the team’s salary cap needs heading into next season.
Chicago sent goaltender Laurent Brossoit, defenseman Nolan Allan, and a 2028 seventh-round pick to San Jose in the exchange. The move marks a significant reshuffling for both teams as the Blackhawks continue their rebuild under general manager Kyle Davidson.
Furlong Joins Chicago Prospect Pool
Furlong, 21, is a 6-foot-1 left-handed defenseman who has recorded two assists in 12 games with the American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda this season. The Labrador City, Newfoundland native was originally selected by the Sharks in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft and has compiled 10 points in 78 career AHL games over the past two seasons.
The young defenseman will likely serve as depth for Chicago’s Rockford IceHogs affiliate, where he can develop his game in a lower-pressure environment.
Ryan Ellis Contract a Cap Play
The centerpiece for Chicago is veteran defenseman Ryan Ellis, though the 35-year-old hasn’t played an NHL game since November 2021 due to a severe pelvic injury. Ryan Ellis still carries a $6.25 million salary cap hit through the 2026-27 season—a contract that serves a crucial purpose for the Blackhawks’ financial planning.
Despite his long absence from competition, the Ryan Ellis hockey veteran brings significant playoff experience, including a Stanley Cup Finals appearance with Nashville in 2017 where he recorded 13 points in 22 postseason games. His contract help allows Chicago to address the salary cap floor with a young roster, especially with veterans including Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Matt Grzelcyk set to become free agents this summer.
Brossoit Gets Fresh Start
Laurent Brossoit, 32, never appeared in an NHL game for Chicago after signing a $6.6 million, two-year contract in July 2024. The veteran goaltender missed last season following meniscus surgery and had been playing in the minors this season after hip surgery. With San Jose, Brossoit gets an opportunity for regular playing time.
Nolan Allan, the 22-year-old defenseman who was a first-round pick (32nd overall) by Chicago in 2021, moves to the Sharks’ organization. Allan appeared in 43 games with the Blackhawks during the 2024-25 season and recorded six points in 29 games with Rockford this year.
