To say this season has not gone the way that Jordan Binnington had hoped would be an understatement. In 28 games this season, he has a record of 8-13-6 with an .869 save percentage and a 3.59 goals against average. It is his worst statistical season since the 2022-23 season. His struggles this season are a big reason why the Blues are currently sixth in the Central Division and outside the playoff spot.
However, things have gotten worse over the past few games. Since the New Year, Binnington has started four games and has a record of 1-3, allowing 15 goals, a .867 save percentage, and a 3.77 goals against average. He has also allowed five-plus goals in two of his last three games. It has gotten to the point where Binnington is a detriment to the team. He can no longer be the number one goalie on the roster.
Jordan Binnington is costing the Blues games and has to be benched
Binnington's decline did not come out of nowhere. This has been a concern for Blues fans for years, and the previous four seasons had seen the star goalie take a step back. From 2021-2025, he had a 0.902 save percentage and a 2.99 goals against average. In his first three NHL seasons, he had a 2.42 goals against average and a save percentage of 0.915%. It was clear that Binnington had taken a step back, and some backup plan had to be made.
But no one could have predicted the Binnington fall-off would happen this fast and be this severe. Sure, Binnington was no longer an elite goalie, but he was still a solid starter. He was still seen as a good goalie who had the potential to return to his elite level. But after this season and current stretch, it's hard to have any confidence in him. It's what we saw over the last few seasons: Binnington starting to decline, and this season is him taking that step back.
What makes benching Binnington easier is how well Joel Hofer has played. Since the start of 2026, Hofer has a record of 3-1 with a .923 save percentage and a 2.24 goals against average. Hofer has not just been better than Binnington during this stretch, but the season as a whole. In 26 games this season, he has a record of 11-9-2 with a .905 save percentage and a 2.76 goals against average. Hofer has demostrated he's more than capable of being the everyday starter.
At this point in the season, the Blues are at a crossroads. With the trade deadline approaching and the Blues just five points out of a playoff spot, you can make an argument for them to be a buyer or a seller at the deadline. The only way the Blues are going to decide which way to go is to put their best lineup on the ice and see how they do. That best lineup does not include Binnington, and having him out there might make the Blues make a decision that ends up being a mistake.
While it's hard to admit when a franchise legend no longer has it, that time has come for Binnington. If the Blues are serious about being competitive and winning hockey games, they need Hofer in net and Binnington on the bench.