The St. Louis Blues are facing a pivotal decision regarding their star players.
A Potential Blockbuster Trade?
The Blues are reportedly leaning towards trading Jordan Binnington, their starting goaltender, a move that could shake up the team's dynamics. This comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the recent buzz around forward Robert Thomas, whose trade value has been a hot topic. But here's where it gets controversial: should the Blues let go of Binnington?
While there has been growing interest in Thomas, the team has also received inquiries about Binnington, albeit less frequently. NHL Network's Brian Lawton claims the Blues are prepared to part ways with Binnington, suggesting an imminent trade. This is a significant shift from earlier sentiments, where the team seemed open to offers but not actively pursuing a trade.
Analyzing the Goalie's Performance:
Binnington's trade value is a complex matter. On one hand, he presents an attractive contract for a proven, albeit inconsistent, starting goalie, with a $6MM cap hit expiring after the next season. His international success with Team Canada, including a championship and a stellar performance at the Winter Olympics, adds to his appeal. Not to mention, he's a Cup champion and Calder Trophy finalist, boasting an impressive playoff record.
However, Binnington's performance this season has been a cause for concern. With an .867 SV% and an 8-18-6 record in 31 starts, he's been the NHL's least effective starting goalie. This is not solely due to the team's defensive struggles, as backup Joel Hofer's .899 SV% in a similar role indicates. MoneyPuck's analytics further support this, ranking Binnington's -23.8 goals saved above expected as the league's worst.
The Trade Dilemma:
The Blues' recent interest in trading Binnington might be influenced by Hofer's promising performances. With Hofer's contract extending for another year at $3.4MM, and his recent improvement, the team may see an opportunity to maximize their return on Binnington. This is especially true if a potential trade partner can utilize Binnington for two playoff runs before his free agency.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Blues' decision regarding Binnington and Thomas will be crucial. Will they opt for a moderate retool or a full-blown rebuild? And what does this mean for the team's future?
What do you think? Is trading Binnington the right move for the Blues? Let us know in the comments, and join the discussion on this intriguing NHL trade scenario!
