Despite a lackluster season, Binnington gets props for stickhandling
It was a tough season for the St. Louis Blues, and in particular, their franchise-leading goaltender Jordan Binnington. This was a major step back for a playoff hopeful team, and unfortunately, no. 50 takes some part of the blame.
But, there was at least one nice remark for him. The players had their annual vote on some awards that are a little more fan-oriented. Toronto Maple Leafs star forward William Nylander was voted for having the best social media profile, and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was named the best candidate to switch to a forward and succeed.
These votes are fun, and it shows what NHL players think and feel about their fellow rivals and teammates on the ice.
For the Blues, there was one player voted for these awards and he won in a landslide. Binnington was voted for having the best stick handling as a goaltender, and it wasn’t even close.
Stickhandling and stopping pucks – Jordan Binnington has tricks up his glove.
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) April 17, 2026
The @StLouisBlues netminder was voted the goalie with the best puck handling skills in the #NHLPAPlayerPoll. pic.twitter.com/aN15XIzkKz
The same could be said for backup, and potential starter for next season, Joel Hofer. He is taking Binnington’s lead, and was a consistent grabber of the puck on opposing dump-ins. This is a risky manuever, but if you can catch the other team in a change, it creates a nice scoring chance on the other side. But, if you don't play it right, time and time again we have seen the highlights of goalies way out of position and empty-net goals being scored.
Binnington had a rough season, and his future is unknown at the moment. New General Manager in waiting Alexander Steen is going to have a tough conversation with the Blues all-time winningest goaltender, and his future could be decided during free-agency. Either way, the players admired and rewarded Binnington for his resourcefulness with the puck.
Add us as a preferred source on Google