With Connor Hellebuyck off the market, the goalie chatter around the NHL has shifted to another familiar name: Jordan Binnington.
NHL insider Chris Johnston singled out the St. Louis Blues netminder in his recent trade board column, calling him the next most intriguing option for teams hunting for experienced help in goal.
“With Hellebuyck off the market, Binnington is the most intriguing name for teams looking to add an experienced goaltender. There are some warning signs with his play over the past year or two, but his long-term track record remains a source of comfort. Binnington has often delivered his best performances in circumstances where the lights are brightest.”
There’s also a practical reason Binnington’s name is out there. His role in St.
Louis has changed, and not in a way that helps his case. Johnston noted that playing time has become a real issue for him with the Blues, where Joel Hofer has seized the No. 1 job.
That matters because Binnington is a pending UFA, which naturally keeps him in the middle of trade speculation.
One team that fits the discussion is the New York Rangers. They have already been linked to Binnington, along with John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz, as possible additions in net.
The Rangers’ situation is shaky enough to make Binnington a logical target. Igor Shesterkin’s injury hit them hard, and James Reimer, signed out of a PTO, gave up multiple goals in his debut before dealing with an injury of his own.
Head coach Mike Sullivan said keeping Reimer out of Tuesday’s practice was more “precautionary” after he arrived feeling a little something. Reimer is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
That’s why Binnington stands out as a short-term answer. He brings experience, he has a proven history, and he could help the Rangers push toward the playoffs. If it doesn’t work out, they can move on this summer and wait for Shesterkin’s return.
For now, Binnington is still with St. Louis and will be in goal tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.
What happens next depends a lot on where the Blues stand. At 5-5-1 to begin the season, they’re not off to a blazing start, but they’re also nowhere near a point where the season is lost.
Teams have reportedly checked in on Binnington over the past couple of seasons, and if the Blues decide they’re not a contender or get a strong enough offer, this could finally be the moment he moves.
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The changes do not stop there, either. St. Louis is also tweaking its defensive look, with Brandon Carlo and Philip Broberg set to be paired together for the first time, while Jordan Binnington gets the start in goal. With several players still out injured, the Blues are leaning into a reset that may say plenty about how they view this stretch, even if the bigger answer will have to wait until the puck drops. [Read more 🡒]
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The timing makes it even trickier because the Blues are already looking at ways to reinforce the defense, whether through a trade or by getting injured players back into the mix. Logan Maillouxs expected return from an upper-body injury only adds another layer to the decision-making, since the blue line may soon need a reshuffle. For a team that wants more certainty on defense, Fowlers place in the lineup has become one of the bigger issues to sort out. [Read more 🡒]
Blues Playoff Push May Depend On One Goalie Question
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Binningtons presence still gives the Blues a safety net few teams can match. The Stanley Cup winner is expected to serve as dependable support and help manage the workload over the long haul, which could be a major factor as the season grinds on. The real question for St. Louis is how long this arrangement holds and how well the Blues can keep both goalies in the right rhythm when the games start carrying more weight. [Read more 🡒]