Hockey Canada has done a lot of help for the St. Louis Blues over the past two seasons, as few remember how poorly Jordan Binnington has been playing in the NHL after his solid performances as Team Canada's starting goaltender at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Winter Olympics, and World Championships. If not, the goaltender's trade value might be very ugly heading into this offseason.
Binnington's record over the past two seasons with Team Canada has been sterling, with a 10-2-0 record and posting save percentages of .944, .917, and .907 in the three tournaments. His goals-against averages might be even more impressive, with marks of 1.25, 1.78, and 2.37. If you were basing his trade value on those tournaments, the Blues would fetch a king's ransom for the former Stanley Cup Champion.
The problem is that Binnington's NHL statistics last season were less than impressive. The goaltender had a 13-20-7 record, while posting a .873 save percentage and a 3.33 goals-against average. With a 41-game sample size, that made him one of, if not the worst, goaltenders in the league.
So why would another team even want him? It's quite simple when you look at his track record when the games get tighter in the playoffs and at international tournaments, as he always seems to come up with the big save and bring an energy that lets his teammates know he is ready for the moment.
If the Blues can convince a team that their defense was the problem in front of Binnington, they should strike while the iron is hot and the international performances are fresh in everyone's mind. Just don't let them see Hofer's stats behind the same defense, as he was able to post a .910 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average.
Who would want Jordan Binnington?
The trade destination for Binnington is easy, as the Edmonton Oilers have been desperate for a starting goaltender, and their rumored new head coach is going to want someone he can trust in tight games. Mike Babcock is going to take one look at Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram and put the front office's feet to the fire to make a deal, and that's when Alex Steen will make his first big trade as general manager.
Despite the horrid stats, Binnington just might go to Edmonton and be the missing piece for Connor McDavid's first Stanley Cup. It is a bit risky to make the Oilers even stronger as a team you could be contending against in a couple of years, but if they are willing to pay the highest price, then that is what the Blues should value more.
Add us as a preferred source on Google