2. Malcolm Subban
Subban was one of many minor-league caliber signings, joining MacEachern, Adam Gaudette, and others who are destined to play the majority of the season in the minor leagues.
Subban’s role on the Blues’ roster is set in stone. He had a great preseason for St. Louis, but Hofer has earned the right to be the backup goalie after excelling in every area of his young professional career.
The only way we see Subban this season is if either Binnington or Hofer go down with an injury. If St. Louis is in a playoff position late in the year and Hofer is struggling in net, then there would be a case to be made to see Subban up in the NHL.
However, the Blues would likely ride the wave of Binnington during any poor stretches from Hofer this season, leaving Subban on the outside looking in.
Subban’s great preseason will give him the opportunity to step in when needed. He has 86 career NHL games under his belt and has recorded a 36-33-9 record with a .898 save percentage while allowing 3.10 goals per game.