Trade Talks Heating Up Around Blues' Jordan Binnington
Binnington is the only goalie among the 20 names on Johnston’s updated trade board, and Johnston didn’t report that any team has called about him.
Why Binnington Stands Out
Binnington is 33, he won the Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019, and is in the final year of a contract that pays him $6 million a year, which makes him a pending unrestricted free agent.
Johnston noted there are some warning signs in his play over the past year or two, though his long-term track record remains a source of comfort and he has often delivered his best performances when the lights are brightest.
Jeremy Rutherford: Re Blues: I don’t think trading Jordan Binnington is an option at this point; There’s no market if he’s not performing; If things continue to unfold the way they are now, I see Binnington staying in St. Louis - The Athletic (10/20) ____ NHLRR: Teams have reportedly kicked tires on Binnington over the last couple of seasons, but with the Blues trying to be competitive and a partial no trade clause in the way, St. Louis could hold onto him
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 23, 2026
Playing time has become a challenge in St. Louis, where Joel Hofer has taken over the No. 1 job, with a .917 save percentage in eight games this season.
Teams that have managed their cap well could absorb the $6 million without the Blues retaining salary.
Binnington nearly helped Team Canada win Olympic gold in February, after a dominant performance at the 4 Nations the year prior, and he was scheduled to start Tuesday against the Canadiens.
Where He Could Fit
The Rangers are the obvious name, since Igor Shesterkin is out for the season and Binnington’s expiring deal would give New York a short-term answer.
LeBrun and Pagnotta reported last week that the Rangers had sounded out the goalie market with names including Binnington, John Gibson, and Samuel Montembeault.
Fans gave Binnington a loud cheer tonight in pre-game introductions, a little louder than usual. Binnington has had a tough start (.831 save%) and only getting three of the first 11 starts. Monty had this to say about Binnington this morning ... (MORE)
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) October 28, 2026
Pagnotta cautioned on Morning Cuppa Hockey that he’d be “a little bit surprised” if New York makes an acquisition right now, and Friedman reported the Rangers had also scouted Karel Vejmelka and Anthony Stolarz.
Binnington has a very rough .845 SV% and 4.11 GAA across four starts this season, with a 1-3 record.
