Could Jordan Binnington Be the Answer to the Oilers’ Goaltending Puzzle?
The NHL’s Olympic break might mean rest for the players, but for front offices like the Edmonton Oilers’, the work never really stops. With the trade deadline fast approaching after the Winter Games, GMs across the league are already laying the groundwork for potential moves.
And if the Oilers are serious about making a run this spring, one name they shouldn’t ignore-despite what the numbers say-is St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington.
Now, let’s be clear: Binnington’s 2025-26 campaign hasn’t been pretty. Through 32 starts, he’s carrying a career-worst 3.65 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage.
Those are tough numbers to swallow, especially for a goaltender with a reputation for stealing games. But before writing him off, it’s worth taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture.
Binnington’s Track Record Still Matters
It wasn’t that long ago that Binnington was the backbone of a Stanley Cup-winning team. His performance during the 2019 playoffs-.914 SV% and 2.46 GAA over 26 starts-cemented his status as a clutch performer. And just last year, he reminded everyone of that big-game pedigree by backstopping Team Canada to gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Yes, this season’s numbers are a blemish. But they’re a blemish on an otherwise solid résumé.
In 2024-25, he posted a .900 SV% and helped guide a young, developing Blues squad to the playoffs. That team had more structure and fewer injuries than the current version, which has struggled to find its footing.
The drop-off this year might say more about the team in front of him than the goalie himself.
The Olympic Spotlight
The 2026 Winter Olympics offer Binnington a chance to reset the narrative. Whether or not a trade happens before the deadline, this is a high-stakes platform for him to show he’s still capable of being a top-tier netminder. While a poor showing won’t necessarily tank his value-his contract still carries another year of control, and his playoff history speaks volumes-it’s a golden opportunity to remind contenders what he can bring to the table.
Why the Oilers Should Be Watching
Goaltending has been a question mark in Edmonton all season. Tristan Jarry, brought in to stabilize the crease, has had his ups and downs-complicated further by an injury and a midseason trade. He hasn’t quite delivered the consistency the Oilers were hoping for, and while there’s still time for him to bounce back, the playoffs are looming large.
If the Oilers want to go deep, they need a goalie they can trust under the bright lights. Binnington, despite his current struggles, has proven he can rise to the moment.
His cap hit is comparable to Jarry’s, and if the Blues are open to a move, the framework for a deal is there. Jarry could be part of the return, and the Oilers have the draft capital to sweeten the pot.
Edmonton holds a second- and third-round pick this year, plus first- and second-rounders in both 2027 and 2028. For a team clearly in win-now mode, those picks should be on the table if it means shoring up a position that could make or break their postseason hopes.
The Clock Is Ticking
The trade deadline will be here before we know it, and if the Oilers want to make a serious push, they’ll need to act decisively. Binnington might not be the obvious choice based on this season’s stat line, but his playoff pedigree and track record of performing in pressure situations make him a compelling option.
First, though, let’s enjoy the Olympic action-and keep an eye on how Binnington performs on the international stage. Because once the Games wrap up, the real games begin in the NHL front offices.