With a new era coming for the St. Louis Blues, that means there is a new goaltending direction. Without any kind of official word, Jordan Binnington is very likely heading to the backup role as Joel Hofer gets the nod as the starter for 2026-27.
Again, this is only speculation and not 100% confirmed. But, the the writing is on the wall on this one.
Setting some expectations for Hofer for next season is tough, but straightforward. The Blues do not need him to come in and try to one-up every record that Binnington has in the record book, but instead just be himself.
Let's go over it.
Last season proved his ability to start
With one of the worst defensive regimes in front of him in a long time, and some really spotty offensive aid, Hofer proved himself last season. All in all, there is no way to label the 2025-26 season as a failure for No. 30.
At 24-13-5 in 46 games played, with six of those wins being shutouts, Hofer did his job last season. At times, he was just as bad, if not worse, than Binnington in net. But he also showed out on a lot of nights that should have been clear-cut losses.
With a save percentage of .909 and a Goals Against Average of 2.61, there is a case that he should have at least gotten one or two Vezina Trophy votes in the nominee column last season. When looking at how awful Cotlon Parayko, Cam Fowler and Logan Mailloux were last season in defensiding in front of Hofer, things should have been way different.
Bet on yourself
The 25-year-old is entering the last year of his bridge deal, and he will be an RFA at the end of the 2026-27 season. We all saw what Chicago did with their star RFA, Connor Bedard, and the impact it will have on the Blues with their plethora of players to re-sign next offseason. Hofer is among them as well.
Given that he will be given the reins of the starting role next season, this is the perfect time to bet on yourself. Hofer can put himself in a nice position, financially, as well as help this team begin their turn upwards toward being a contender.
Hofer has to be himself and mirror what he was doing in 2025-26. Hovering in that 2.50 goals-against-average is going to be key as the offense should be much better this time around and getting three goals should be easier. The defense is still worrisome, even with a shutdown defender in Brandon Carlo coming into clear out the opposition. That is where things will get interesting for Hofer.
Replacing Binnington is a tall task, and a lengthy one. Hofer has to bet on himself and win, thus giving the Blues their next franchise goaltender.
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