It’s the offseason when hockey pundits make predictions, speculate, and summarize the past season.
Since Craig Berube is now coaching in Toronto, trade rumors will probably connect current and former St. Louis Blues players to him.
After all, it makes sense. If Berube could gain two or three Cup winners from 2019, it would pay dividends for his new squad, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Veterans who have been there and won it all are in a league of their own.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington shouldn’t be in any trade conversation
“When Berube was let go in St Louis, it was a gut-punch to Binnington… Being a goalie in Toronto isn’t for everyone, and the two could certainly lean on each other to handle all the off-ice noise. Binnington loves pressure, and there are few scenarios more pressure-filled than attempting to lead his hometown team to a Stanley Cup,” wrote Shane Seney of Leafs Nation.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs have skilled goaltenders, Binnington, at 30 years old, stands out as more than just an average player. Seney’s right; Binnington’s ability to not only function but thrive under pressure is one of his greatest attributes.
His .913 save percentage this year was the second-best of his career. His 2018-19 season was off the charts, with a SV% of .927.
Binnington’s post-season stats vary, but he maintains two incredible seasons: 2018-19 (.914 SV%) and 2021-22 (.949 SV%).
While the Blues front office might be tempted to entertain offers for Binnington, mainly because of the emergence of Joel Hofer, they should make Binnington untradeable.
First, we should note that he is technically somewhat untradeable. While his complete no-trade clause expired, he still has partial protection limiting where he could be traded if that were ever to happen.
Outside of potential no-trade complications, Binnington is the leader of the St. Louis Blues. He doesn't wear the C on his jersey, but his play and words set the tone.
It’s entirely true that Berube helped mold him, and Binnington may even be a bit of a Berube loyalist himself. But at the same time, Binnington was vocal in supporting Drew Bannister. He had great words of encouragement for Hofer and even noted he learned some things from the young goalie. He hasn’t abandoned the current team, even with all of the roster changes.
St. Louis Blues: Is Binnington replaceable?
It's a common belief that no player should be off-limits. I'm afraid I have to disagree. At this point in Binnington's career, he shouldn't even be thought of as a trade prospect.
While it may be tempting to consider offers of young prospects or even draft picks for a proven goaltender, Armstrong should not entertain any offers.
Some people can’t be replaced, and Jordan Binnington falls into that category. His electric performance, his capability of performing at the highest level, his locker room presence and his fearlessness can motivate his teammates to play harder. You won’t find another Binnington.
Binnington is undeniably the strongest leader in the locker room.
If Binnington ever wishes to leave St. Louis, the scenario may change. But that hasn’t occurred, and he shouldn’t be forced out.