St. Louis Blues: Are we overlooking the talent of goaltending coach David Alexander?
While most St. Louis Blues fans know of David Alexander, are we undervaluing his role in Blues goaltending? Is he one of the best goaltending coaches in the league?
David Alexander is not a new name for St. Louis Blues fans.
With Jordan Binnington's emergence in 2019 and continued success, Binnington has constantly praised Alexander and vocally supported his coach.
Interestingly, Alexander had a connection to previous goaltender Jake Allen, serving as his personal coach before being hired by the St. Louis Blues in 2017.
Since then, he has made a name for himself and could be one of the most successful goaltending coaches in the league.
St. Louis Blues: Alexander's resume speaks for itself
Before being appointed the goaltending coach in St. Louis, Alexander spent 4 seasons as the goaltending coach for the Syracuse Crunch, working with the great Andrei Vasilevsky.
A native of Moncton, New Brunswick, Alexander got his first major coaching job with the nearby University of Maine Bears men's ice hockey program. He was in Orono, Maine, from 2008 to 2013.
Alexander eventually crossed paths with Jake Allen in New Brunswick, and Alexander's private coaching firm played a role in developing Allen's skills.
Needless to say, the relationship developed further, eventually leading Alexander to gain the Blues position after four years at the AHL level.
Alexander has coached the likes of Kristers Gudlevskis and Mike McKenna, in addition to Allen and Vasilevsky.
Today, he finds himself mentoring young Joel Hofer as he did with Jordan Binnington. Both current Blues goaltenders rave about Alexander.
Binnington has constantly asserted that he and Alexander have a great personal bond.
Alexander is always mixing things up and improving Binnington's impressive skillet.
With Joel Hofer's emergence in 2023-24, it's about time the league pays closer attention to Alexander. His track record speaks for itself. Alexander can coach, and goaltenders under his leadership are emerging as some of the top names in the league.
With all of the coaching changes over the years in St. Louis, it's not a coincidence that Alexander has maintained his job. Just a few weeks ago, he signed an extension that proved his worth.
With Alexander as the goaltending coach, Blues fans have every reason to feel at ease. His performance has proven his value within the ranks at St. Louis.