Brossoit eager to get back to work in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG -Laurent Brossoit's first season in Winnipeg had a big impact on him.
So much so, when it came to deciding whether to sign on for another season, it didn't take long for negotiations to lead to a new one-year contract worth $1.225 million.
The on-ice results during the 2018-19 were one thing - career bests in goals against average (2.52), save percentage (0.925), and games played (21) certainly helped in Brossoit's decision.
But ultimately, it came down to the relationships he forged, especially with goalie coach Wade Flaherty.
"We hit it off right away. We think the game the same way. We have similar personalities in terms of how laid back he is. I like working with a guy like that," said Brossoit. "It takes away a lot of nerves being around consistently and daily with someone who is laid back like that. I respect him a lot and I'm glad to be going to a team and going into familiar territory. It's going to be nice to have the same goalie coach who knows me even better after a full season together."

The numbers he produced were huge for the 26-year-old's confidence as well.
Often, his teammates described him as having a "chip on his shoulder" and coming to Winnipeg with something to prove.
But Brossoit knew he had to prove something to himself as well.
"Knowing all along that I had the tools that I can be effective at this level and to have that mentality going forward, I feel like my potential and my ceiling is even higher than I thought it was," he said.
Brossoit began his career in a Jets jersey on a tear, going 10-0-1 in his first 11 starts, compiling a 1.97 GAA and a 0.946 save percentage during that span. In fact, the only thing that slowed Brossoit down in 2018-19 was the injury he sustained against the Vegas Golden Knights on Mar. 21.
The injury - which he later revealed to be a hamstring issue - kept him from adding to his total of 19 starts and the opportunity to improve the 13-6-2 record he had compiled.
"At the time it was frustrating. I was probably going to get a few more starts - and a few more starts in a smaller amount of time - which is obviously something I would look forward to and I'm always pushing for," said Brossoit. "When that happened it wasn't ideal and the timing wasn't great."
Brossoit said last season's results won't change his approach to training this summer.
The only thing that will change will be his attitude coming into training camp in September.
"I'm definitely going to come in with a hell of a lot more confidence," he said. "For a goalie, it takes a little bit longer sometimes to mature and find yourself in this league. There is a lot that goes into playing in this league, your nerves and mental state are a big part of that. I had to prove to myself that I can do what I normally do at this level with all the pressure that comes with it.
"I can almost guarantee that I'm going to start and continue to build and move forward and continue to grow."
When he arrives back in Winnipeg, he'll be looking forward to continue to build on the relationships he built with his teammates.
Especially with his good friend Connor Hellebuyck, who he knew prior to signing with the Jets in the first place.
"As a goalie, there is only one other guy that you can relate to on a full level and for it to be with a friend - the same age, similar interests - we get along really well," said Brossoit. "It makes the season that much more enjoyable.
"It goes a long way to play with the same group of guys for more than one year. I'm excited to do that. The coaching staff, I have a lot of love and respect for them. To come to a number we could agree on and for me to come back to familiar territory, it was an easy sell."