Jordan Binnington has been the unquestioned starting goalie for the St. Louis Blues since he debuted in January 2019. He helped spark the team that eventually made an incredible comeback from last place in the NHL to Stanley Cup champions. The 2011 third-round pick has been a staple in the Blues lineup as he is one of only four players from that Stanley Cup-winning team to still be on the roster.
Binnington has been great for the Blues franchise. He is their all-time wins leader, sits 4th all-time in Blues history in shutouts, most wins by a rookie goalie, and countless others. However, many fans have pointed out that Binnington has never recaptured his form from his rookie season and that it might be time for a change in nets. While that may sound like it is time for a change, the grass may not be greener on the other side.
1. Playoff Performer
You hope that once you get into the playoffs, your best players will lead the charge and show they can hit another gear. Binnington has proven, time after time, that he thrives under pressure. We saw that in 2019 when he was phenomenal in the run that saw the team hoist the Stanley Cup. He posted a 2.46 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. If that were not enough in game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, he stopped 32 out of 33 shots faced in the game to help secure the victory. He improved on those numbers in the 2022 playoffs, posting a 1.72 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage. Sadly, that run ended when Nazem Kadri crushed into Binnington, knocking him out for the rest of the playoffs. However, it is safe to say when the playoffs come around, Binnington will find that extra gear.
2. Lack of Other Options
If the Blues want to make a goalie change at the end of the season, it would have to start with how Joel Hofer has progressed. Hofer's stats have been slightly better than Binnington's this season, but it is only his second season with consistent NHL action, and it might be too soon to give him the extra workload. That would mean the team would need to bring in a dependable veteran goalie who can split the workload. Unfortunately, the list of upcoming unrestricted free agents does not have that. Frederik Andersen would be the most likely candidate to fit that role, but his injury history might be too big of a risk to take on.
3. Spark Plug
Binnington is either hated or loved as a result of his fiery personality. He is not afraid of giving someone a two-hand slash to the back of the legs or a punch to the head. While many hockey fans know that goaltenders tend to have a screw loose or two, it can also be a spark to rally the team when momentum isn't on their side. You see that when a team's heavyweight fighter tries to energize their team when they are down in the game, and nothing else seems to work. Now, when it is your star goaltender who is not afraid to get his hands dirty to give the team a spark, you better believe that sends a message to the rest of the guys on that team.