When it comes to the Montreal Canadiens, the goalie position is a hot topic. Despite their strong defensive play limiting shots on goal, their save percentage ranks near the bottom of the league. As they come back from the Olympic break, there's buzz about whether they'll make a move to bolster their netminding.
General Manager Kent Hughes faces a delicate decision. Any potential trade needs to be more than just a shake-up; it has to make sense for the team's future.
Take Sergei Bobrovsky, for instance. He's the kind of proven talent that could genuinely elevate the Canadiens' goaltending.
On the flip side, rumors are swirling about St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington being on the market.
The idea of acquiring Binnington, floated recently, involved sending Brendan Gallagher, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick to St. Louis.
Binnington did shine during the Olympics, helping Team Canada secure a silver medal. His recent form might tempt some fans into thinking he's the answer.
But let's not get carried away. His NHL season stats tell a different story, with a career-low .864 save percentage and a 3.65 goals against average over 32 starts.
Sure, the argument could be made that playing behind a stronger team, like during the Olympics, might help him rebound. Yet, when you compare him to the Canadiens' current goalies, Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes, Binnington doesn't stand out as a clear upgrade.
Especially when the cost includes a first-round pick.
The Canadiens are in a solid position, sitting second in the Atlantic Division, and they've done so with their current trio in net. While it's wise to explore all options, making a trade just to make a splash isn't the way forward. Unless it's for a definitive upgrade, which Binnington isn't, the Canadiens are better off sticking with what they have.