Happy New Year’s Eve! Earlier today, Team Canada was announced for the 2026 Olympics in Italy. There are two St. Louis Blues making the trip to represent their home country.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington and defenseman Colton Parayko were selected, mirroring that of their appearance in the Four Nations Face-off last season. Now, in the biggest tournament of all-time, with best-on-best facing off against each other, these two will go represent the Blue Note.
Following the Four Nations Faceoff last season, both Binnington and Parayko got a serious boost in their game. That led to the Blues miraculous 12-game win streak and playoff berth. There is a very good chance that history could repeat itself here.
The rosters for both Team USA and Canada are very close to that of the Four Nations Faceoff, and as a fan, you hope that these two teams bring the same intensity. All eyes are on Binnington, once again, as he stands a good chance of being named the starter for this tournament. This season has been a struggle for the Blues all-time winningest goalie.
Blues forward Robert Thomas is amongst a healthy list of snubs. This season has not been kind to him either, but in terms of forwards representing Canada, there should be a spot for No. 18. In four years from now, there could be a spot for him but not now.