The official Team Canada roster revealed on New Year’s Eve that management remains confident in Jordan Binnington. Perhaps it’s a case of bias on the part of Doug Armstrong in riding with Binnington.
But then again, if there’s anyone who knows Binnington well is Armstrong. So, let’s cut the Team Canada GM a break and trust his judgment. That comment aside, the selection of Binnington to the 2026 Olympics provides the Blues' netminder with a unique opportunity.
Binnington, as Armstrong noted during the post-reveal press conference, has a resume that justifies his inclusion on the team. That said, Binnington has a chance to prove that he’s much better than his numbers show this season.
Playing behind an elite blue line, Binnington can prove the Blues are the reason for his struggles. Armstrong himself admitted that the Blues haven’t been the best team in front of him. As such, that admission recognizes that Binnington is a good goalie playing on a bad team.
By that logic, he should be lights out like he was at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Assuming Binnington rises to the occasion as he has so many times before, he could prove all of his doubters wrong.
Of course, that opportunity brings pressure. Binnington will have to face the pressure of performing at the highest level. But that’s precisely why Armstrong justified his pick by using Binnington’s resume as his main case.
That’s not fluff. Binnington has risen to the occasion numerous times. He has the mindset of an attack dog. That fire is something that Team Canada will need to emerge victorious.
Yes, Binnington’s had a down year with the Blues. But when looking at Binnington in isolation, it’s tough to find a guy with a bigger heart and drive to compete. Team Canada will give the Blues' netminder every chance to succeed.
As it stands, the Canadian crease belongs to Jordan Binnington. It’ll just be a matter of flipping the switch when the game turns to “go.”