The St. Louis Blues have 12 picks in the upcoming NHL Draft at the end of the month. With three picks in the first round alone, the emphasis is on drafting more depth at center and some new defensive pieces to add to the core.
But what about goaltending? This draft is seemingly flush with a lot of great forwards, even more defensemen, and a solid goaltending class. Are the Blues ok with what they have, or do they need to bid on another net-minder?
Let’s talk about it.
Who do they have in the net?
At the top, it will be Joel Hofer as the starting goaltender next season. Although it has not been confirmed, there is every intention that head coach Jim Montgomery will be going with No. 30 next season. Then it is Jordan Binnington backing him up, for now.
The interesting case with Binnington is that he may be moved before the final year of his contract begins. If that happens, one of WIll Cranley, Zadim Zherenko and Georgii Romanov will be moved up.
Let us also not forget about the high-rising prospect in Love Härenstam, and the potential he has to one say eclipse Hofer as the next franchise goaltender.
Who can be drafted, and is it necessary?
There are a number of solid names in this upcoming draft to choose from. Michal Orsulak from the WHL stands out of the pack, as does 6-foot-5 Brady Knowling of the United States Development Program.
But, it might not even be worth it to draft either of those guys. The Blues have enough in the goaltending pipeline to last quite a bit at where they are now. Until they know exactly the pecking order in terms of the AHL goaltenders, Hofer and Binnington are going to be the go-to guys for a while.
Even if Binnington is moved, there is more than enough evidence to trust Romanov or Cranley with a promotion to the NHL-level. But, all roads lead to Härenstam moving up the ladder and being this franchise's next goaltender.
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