Why a Jordan Binnington Trade Makes Sense for the Blues - But Not With the Oilers
Jordan Binnington's name is starting to surface in trade chatter again, and while nothing appears imminent, the speculation is heating up. The St.
Louis Blues goaltender - a Stanley Cup champion and still a high-level performer - would be a valuable asset on the market. But if the Blues do decide to move him, the Edmonton Oilers likely won't be the team on the other end of the phone.
Let’s break down why.
Why the Blues Might Consider Moving Binnington
This isn’t about Binnington’s play. The 30-year-old netminder has been solid - and at times spectacular - since backstopping the Blues to their first Stanley Cup in 2019. But general manager Doug Armstrong has to look beyond the crease and evaluate the bigger picture.
Binnington’s contract runs through next season, and if the front office doesn’t believe this current group can contend during that window, the logical move is to cash in on his value now rather than let it depreciate. The Blues came into this season with playoff hopes after a promising 2024 campaign, but a sluggish start has raised questions about whether this team is truly ready to compete.
If things don’t turn around soon, Armstrong may decide the time is right to shift focus toward the future - and that could mean saying goodbye to Binnington.
A Trade Would Signal a Continued Rebuild
We’ve seen Armstrong go this route before. In 2023, he moved franchise cornerstones Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko in separate deals that brought back two first-round picks.
That gave the Blues three selections in the opening round, which they used to draft Dalibor Dvorsky, Otto Stenberg, and Theo Lindstein - all of whom project as key pieces in the next phase of the team’s evolution. Dvorsky, in particular, is already showing signs of becoming a difference-maker.
If Binnington is moved, the return has to be forward-thinking - prospects, picks, or young NHL-ready talent that fit the Blues’ timeline. And given Binnington’s resume and current form, Armstrong would be right to expect a significant package in return.
Why the Oilers Don’t Fit the Bill
On paper, Edmonton makes sense as a landing spot. They’re desperate for stability in net, and Binnington would be a clear upgrade over Stuart Skinner. Oilers GM Stan Bowman has shown he’s willing to pull the trigger on roster upgrades - last season’s additions of Trent Frederic and Jake Walman are proof of that.
But here’s the problem: the Oilers don’t have the assets the Blues would want.
Edmonton’s 2026 first-round pick? Gone - sent to San Jose in the Walman deal.
That’s a major hurdle. For a team like the Blues looking to build for the future, a first-rounder is typically the starting point in any deal involving a player of Binnington’s caliber.
As for the Oilers’ prospect pool, there are a few intriguing names, but nothing that screams "centerpiece" in a Binnington trade. Without a premium pick or a top-tier prospect, the Oilers simply can’t meet the asking price.
What About a Goalie Swap?
There’s been some talk about a potential Binnington-for-Skinner deal, with the Oilers adding sweeteners to make it work. The idea is that Skinner could serve as a stopgap option behind Joel Hofer as the young goaltender transitions into a full-time starter role.
But there are issues with that scenario, too.
Skinner is a pending free agent and carries a $2.6 million cap hit. He’s likely to command more on the open market, and the Blues aren’t in a position to invest in a backup at that price point - especially when there are cheaper, more experienced options available.
Look no further than Jake Allen, who’s earning $1.8 million in New Jersey as a reliable backup. If the Blues need someone to support Hofer, they can find it without giving up Binnington.
Bottom Line
If Doug Armstrong decides to trade Jordan Binnington, it’s not a panic move - it’s a calculated pivot toward the future. But it has to be the right deal. The return has to move the needle for a franchise that’s already begun reshaping its core.
And right now, the Edmonton Oilers don’t have what it takes to make that deal happen.
Binnington may be on the move at some point - but don’t expect him to be heading to Alberta.