Joel Hofer finished the season strong with a .914 SV%.
He started 27 games with an overall record of 15-12.
Primary goaltender Jordan Binnington maintained a .913 SV%, with a 28-21-5 record.
Overall, both goaltenders looked pretty good.
Was Hofer's success a sign of even more outstanding performances to come?
That's certainly the expectation for GM Doug Armstrong and head coach Drew Bannister.
Overall, the league's Central Division has been busy the last couple of weeks, whether from the draft or free agency. The St. Louis Blues, on the other hand, have been relatively quiet.
It's been evident that Armstrong wants to build the team from within and concentrate on developing the existing prospects.
Hofer plays a role here.
It's inevitable that both Binnington and Hofer will be challenged and attacked frequently. When you share a division with teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Nashville Predators, you better have good goaltenders.
Hofer did well in 2023-24. His record was plus .500, and his save percentage ranked him in the top ten goaltenders in the league.
This is something to build upon. Hofer can shine in a tough division.
For all the hype hitting the news about the new acquisitions of the Predators, Stars, Avs, and even Chicago Blackhawks, the Blues hold one of the best goaltending duos in the league.
If Binnington has a reliable, talented backup in Hofer, watch out.
Goaltending wins games. This was made evident by the 2019 championship run.
Hofer will not only be playing for his accord but also for a future starting job. If Hofer replicates his 2023-24 success in St. Louis, his future signing and trading power will become even more vital.
Expect Joel Hofer to be an integral part of the Blues' success—or, yes, even failure. But my bet is on success. He appears to be the real deal.