The Chicago Blackhawks have officially signed goaltender Olivier Rodrigue to a one-year, two-way contract extending through the 2025-26 season, featuring a $775,000 salary cap hit. This move aims to bolster their goaltending depth and gives Rodrigue an opportunity to further develop within the organization.
Rodrigue’s Recent Performance and Career Highlights
At 25 years old, Rodrigue appeared in two NHL games for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2024-25 season, recording a 0-1-0 win-loss mark, a 3.10 goals-against average (GAA), and a .862 save percentage. He spent the majority of that season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Bakersfield Condors, where he played a personal-best 41 games and posted an 18-16-8 record, a 3.12 GAA, a .897 save percentage, and one shutout.
Rodrigue has a solid AHL track record, having appeared in 131 regular-season contests with the Condors from 2021 to 2025. His career AHL stats include a 61-52-17 record, a 2.92 GAA, a .905 save percentage, and two shutouts. Additionally, he has experience in postseason play, with two trips to the Calder Cup Playoffs, achieving a 0-1-0 record, a 1.89 GAA, and a .936 save percentage across two playoff games.
Earlier in his career, during the 2021-22 season, Rodrigue also played 15 games with the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL, posting a 7-7-1 record, a 3.57 GAA, and a .907 save percentage.
Background and Draft Information
Originally from Chicoutimi, Quebec, Olivier Rodrigue was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 62nd overall, during the 2018 NHL Draft. His journey through multiple leagues reflects steady development and a commitment to advancing his professional career.
Implications of Rodrigue’s New Contract
Signing Rodrigue to this two-way deal provides the Blackhawks with flexibility and depth at the goaltender position, allowing him to split time between NHL and AHL levels as needed. This contract offers Rodrigue the chance to prove himself further and potentially earn a greater role in the NHL while continuing to refine his skills in the minor leagues. His experience across the ECHL, AHL, and NHL illustrates a goalkeeper with growing professional maturity and resilience.
