The St. Louis Blues have a great roster, filled with experienced veterans and up-and-comers who are making their mark. All three position groups have reputable players who each make an impact in every game.
Looking at goaltending, it is a little bit trickier than the rest of the team. The Blues are lucky enough to have some available options right now. With Jordan Binnington getting older however, and thre is also uncertainty of back-up Joel Hofer coming back next season as he is a RFA this summer, who is the future net-minder of this franchise.
The Blues could potentially find that replacement in this year’s NHL draft. Having the 19th pick could lead to some great possibilities, and taking a goaltender might be the right move. There is one that seems to be on everyone’s radar as their next great goalie, but the Blues might be the first to have the gall to take him.
Joshua Ravensbergen
There is one prospect that could be a very good addition for the Blues' future in the net. Joshua Ravensbergen has the potential to be the next big thing in the NHL and will very likely be the first goaltender off the board in the upcoming draft.
At 6’5, he was excellent in his two seasons at the WHL level. With the Prince George Tigers, he had a record of 59-17-5 with six shutouts. Ravensbergen has all the makings of a solid goaltender, and the Blues can certainly use him for their future plans.
What about Colten Ellis?
Colton Ellis is in the farm system at the moment, and he is another viable option. With the Springfield Thunderbirds last season at the AHL level, he had a record of 22-14-5 with a save percentage of .922. That save percentage was the fourth-highest in all of the AHL.
If Hofer does not come back, and the Blues don’t take a chance at Ravensbergen, Ellis is certainly the next guy up. He is a valuable asset, and he has earned his due.
Binnington is not going anywhere, anytime soon. He is still playing at a high level and is this franchise’s starter for the time being. It does not hurt to look to the time when the Blues decide to move on from him, however, and Ravensbergen is the right option.