The St. Louis Blues are in a bit of a crisis. They have been exquisite on the offensive end, but their goaltending is starting to become insufferable. How does it get fixed?
The next few weeks are going to be crucial for the Blues, as it is time to look at this season with a simple question. Are they in a position to be playoff contenders, or pack it up and try again in 2025-26?
Depending on the answer to that question, the Blues need to lock up the goaltending situation and figure out what the future looks like. One solution might already be in place on the current roster.
Joel Hofer, the successor of Jordan Binnginton?
This season, and the last few games specifically, have shown a lot of light on the blue crease. Starting goaltender Jordan Binnginton may be on his way out of that first-string role and possibly out of the organization entirely. Enter back-up Joel Hofer.
Hofer, who has been adequate in his limited amount of opportunities, is currently in a contract year. He is designated to be a Restricted Free Agent after the 2024-25 season. If time is running out on Binnignton's tenure in St. Louis, Hofer could be a very valuable asset going forward, cheap too.
At 8-4-1 in 14 appearances this season, he has a save percentage of .901 and has allowed an average of 2.92 goals per game. The Blues are certainly getting a bang for their buck with him, as his two-year, $1.55 million deal seems like a steal.
Of course, Binnington is on the hook for his lucrative six-year, $36 million deal, set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season. Thankfully, there are no intangibles on it, like a no-trade clause or no-movement clause, so if the Blues see fit, they can shop him around at their own free will. Of course, this is all hypothetical.
Should Hofer be re-signed
Undoubtedly, yes. Even if the Blues decide to stick with Binnington, which is all the more likely as he still is a dependable goaltender. Hofer is a fringe starter, as he could certainly transition into that role with ease. But, has he done enough in his short career for the Blues to take that risk?
Re-signing is a no-brainer, but promotion is still up in the air. If the season is out and away, let him start the rest of the year at that point to try and gain experience. If the season is closer than it is now to becoming a playoff appearance, then it gets a bit trickier.
Nevertheless, expect #30 to be back in the Blue note next season.