Blues Considering Trading Jordan Binnington
By Josh Erickson (https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/author/jpepdx) | March 3, 2026
The Blues are entering a pivotal week, with rumors swirling around a potential trade involving star forward Robert Thomas. However, the focus has also shifted to starting goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has been the subject of mounting speculation and interest from other teams.
According to NHL Network's Brian Lawton, the Blues are reportedly 'ready to move on' from Binnington, suggesting a trade is imminent. This marks a significant shift from recent months when the team was only exploring offers for Binnington, indicating a change in their stance.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period initially ranked Binnington as a 'bubble player' outside the top 40, and he remains a low priority in trade discussions. TSN's Trade Bait list and Chris Johnston's The Athletic list further emphasize Binnington's low trade value, with his name consistently ranking lower than expected.
The Blues' decision to trade Binnington seems intertwined with their interest in Thomas. A moderate retool or aggressive rebuild would be illogical if they were to trade one high-caliber player without the other. With Thomas generating interest from the Mammoth and Sabres, the Blues' general manager, Doug Armstrong, is leaning towards a trade.
Binnington's trade value is a complex matter. He possesses a desirable contract for an established but inconsistent starter, with a $6MM cap hit that expires after the next season. His performances for Team Canada have been exceptional, leading to a championship and a silver medal in recent tournaments. However, his NHL performance this season has been a concern.
Despite his impressive international record, Binnington has been the league's worst starter this season, with a .867 save percentage and a 8-18-6 record in 31 starts. This is particularly damning when compared to backup goalie Joel Hofer, who has a .899 save percentage in a similar workload. Analytics support this, as Binnington's -23.8 goals saved above expected are the worst in the league, according to MoneyPuck.
Binnington's recent hot streak and promising track record as a prospect make a trade more plausible. The Blues may aim to maximize his value before he becomes a free agent, allowing an acquiring team to benefit from two playoff runs with him. Hofer, with a year left on his contract, has shown improvement and now has a .905 save percentage in his last 15 outings, matching his career average.
The Blues' decision to trade Binnington is a strategic move, considering the team's potential rebuild and the desire to maximize the value of their assets. With Thomas generating interest and Binnington's inconsistent performance, the Blues are likely to make a significant change to their roster.
