The St. Louis Blues are in the market for a backup goaltender now. It makes sense to look at the free agent market, but bringing up Jordan Binnington makes just as much sense.
The St. Louis Blues are going to need a new backup goaltender after July 1. All reports have Carter Hutton signing with the Buffalo Sabres, which leaves the number two spot in the crease open.
Nothing has been reported about the situation, but the Blues are likely to look at whatever free agents are not currently linked with teams. St. Louis has gone the free agent route the last two times they needed a backup, getting Brian Elliott and Hutton and using them both very well.
Now, they are in need again. While looking outside of the organization makes plenty of sense, there is an option within the franchise that few are considering.
Jordan Binnington has been waiting patiently for his turn, getting passed up each time. It made more sense before because he was so young at the time. Now, at 24, he is at the age where the Blues need to figure out if he can play at the NHL level.
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Of course, it’s a risky option. Many goaltenders do not hit their stride until their late 20’s or even early 30’s. Hutton was a prime example, playing some of his best hockey with the Blues at 30.
Some fans will wonder why you do not just let Ville Husso have the backup role. That is an option, for sure, but an unnecessary one.
Husso has been jerked around a lot in his brief minor league career. St. Louis tried to get him reps in the ECHL, but their “working relationship” with the Kansas City Mavericks evaporated. Chicago had a log jam in net at the AHL level.
Husso finally got steady game time in San Antonio last season and was named to the All-Rookie Team. However, he needs another full season of getting starts and with a full team of Blues prospects this time. It would only stunt his growth if he is sitting the bench for 60% of the season.
Binnington has probably reached his apex, or close to it. That is not a slam on him, because he is a quality goaltender, but not likely to ever ascend higher than an NHL backup.
He had a great year in 2017-18, even after having to be shuttled off to the Providence Bruins. Binnington was named to the All-Star team, posting a final stat line of .926 save percentage and 2.05 goals against. He faltered in the playoffs though, with .865 and 4.89 as his stats.
This seems like the perfect opportunity to give him a look as the team’s backup.
Unless the Blues make some moves, this might end up being a transitional year anyway. So, Binnington would not have the pressure to keep the team flying high.
Even if the Blues do make some moves, Binnington is likely to be able to hold his own for the workload the team would require. Of course, you wonder about the jump to the NHL, but you have to kick the tires eventually.
Binnington has put up decent regular season numbers and played in around the number of games the Blues would need him. His time in Providence showed he can deal with change quite well.
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It will not be shocking if the Blues pick up a veteran to hold things down. With Jake Allen‘s unsteadiness, they might want a more calming presence.
Binnington deserves to, at least, be an option in camp. While he’s still young, he’s been waiting quite awhile and has the makeup to be a solid backup.