The St. Louis Blues might have the two best-kept secrets in the Western Conference, and it isn't what you think. They have a fantastic goalie tandem in Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer, and it could be a combo that brings this franchise back to the postseason on an annual basis.
But, as the years pass by, Father Time creeps up on one of the two goaltenders as Binnington approaches the seventh-inning stretch of his career. It isn't time to look at the end, but that finish line will be here before we know it.
Should it be Hofer to take the reins from Binnington when the time is right?
Passing the torch
At 31-years-old the twighlight of Binnington's career is still a ways away. It seems like he has been the Blues goaltender forever, but he is still amongst the prime years of his career. But, there is still a small arguement to be made about what happens after he is not apart of this organization. Either he retires as a life-long member of the Blues, or he is traded away or signs elsewhere, who takes the torch and carries on.
Back-up goaltender Hofer could be a perfect candidate. Over the past four seasons, he has subbed in and did his job when Binnington needed a rest. With a record of 35-22-5, he has really held his own.
Especially this past season, Hofer proved his worth on a number of occasions. With a record of 16-8-3, a save percentage of .904, and a goals against average of 2.64, he helped the Blues into the playoffs. Some of his bigger wins this season were against Winnipeg, Carolina, and a 34-save shutout against the New York Islanders.
But, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, as he had some issues whilst on the powerplay when he allowed four short-handed goals. According to MoneyPuck.com, Hofer had a Goals Saved Above Expected of -4.3. That is not ideal.
Hofer's future
Hofer is up for a new contract this offseason, and it is expected that he will be back with the Blues next season. The 24-year-old will likely get a bridge contract to give him more time to prove whether or not he is worth the long-term investment. So far, it looks like it is going that way.
For the young goaltender, learning behind one of the most influential goaltenders in the NHL is a good thing for him. Binnington is one of those netminders with that aura attached to him, a respect that he can get the job done with the cards against him. Hofer has to develop that trait.
It is still too early to tell, but things are progressing nicely for Hofer. Things are actually looking great for the Blues' future as a whole, with stability at the goaltender position.