Jordan Binnington helped the St. Louis Blues win a Stanley Cup during his rookie year. He’s been up and down since then but the team has stuck with him. However, he has lost the net to Ville Husso. Husso is 13-4-2 in the cage for the Blues. Husso has a 2.59 GAA and a .915 save percentage to go along with three shutouts. Meanwhile, Binnington is 13-10-3 with a 3.12 GAA, a .904 save percentage, and two shutouts. Binnington’s fire and determination are certainly appreciated, but sometimes it gets him in trouble. From a goaltender standpoint, is it possible Husso may kick Binnington to the curb?
Cap Space Ramifications
Jordan Binnington signed a big contract extension to keep him in the family. That contract might make him a cap casualty. The cap in the NHL can sometimes be tricky to navigate unless you're the Tampa Bay Lightning. We’ve seen the Islanders have to deal Devon Toews to the Avalanche because they were up against it. It turned into a great deal for the Avs, and proved costly on the Island.
If the Blues see a need to part with assets to improve the team, Binnington may be among the first to go. He is 28 years old while Husso is 27. While they both still have some years left, the Blues may want to start thinking ahead to find the netminder of the future. The contract Binnington signed was for six years and $36 million. The Blues have put good together some good teams since raising the cup, but have yet to reach the top of the mountain again.
Possible Approaches
St. Louis has some options. Option one is to stick with both goaltenders moving forward. Option two is trade Binnington and use him as the main trade piece to improve the team in other areas, and then bring up a younger goaltender they feel is ready to backup Husso. That young goalie in theory would become the next franchise guy. Option three is to do what some other teams have already done, sign or draft a young goalie from the KHL if Binnington gets moved.
It’s working wonders right now for the Rangers with Igor Shesterkin. Ilya Sorkin has also looked good for the Islanders. The Blues right now are looking good and seem to be a lock for the playoffs again. If an early playoff exit happens again, the trajectory of the long term plan in St. Louis may change, and moves could be made as a result.
Keep an eye out for:
Martavis Bryant gets another chance
Former Jets draft bust resurfaces in the CFL
We roll on!
You forgot one big thing. Binning has a NTC for this year and the next two. I do a show and would love for you to come on. guybensing@stlfanreport.com