Edmonton Oilers' ongoing goaltending struggles have fueled persistent trade rumors, and a recent incident involving Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues has only intensified the speculation. Binnington was pulled from Monday's game against the Anaheim Ducks after allowing two goals on just five shots in the first 10 minutes. The early hook, followed by a visible display of frustration directed at Blues head coach Jim Montgomery, has added fuel to the fire surrounding a potential trade, with many fans and analysts pointing to Edmonton as a possible destination.
The Oilers have been linked to Binnington for weeks, with reports suggesting that a change of scenery could benefit both the player and the team. Edmonton's current goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has struggled to provide consistency, leaving the team vulnerable despite its offensive firepower. The Oilers have surrendered the most goals in the NHL this season, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable presence in net.
However, acquiring Binnington would not be without its challenges. The 32-year-old carries a $6 million average annual value, a significant cap hit for the Oilers, who are already facing financial constraints. Some analysts suggest that the Blues would need to retain a portion of Binnington's salary to make a deal feasible for Edmonton. Furthermore, Binnington reportedly has a no-trade clause, with some suggesting that the Oilers are on that list, meaning he would have to agree to any move to Edmonton.
Despite these potential roadblocks, the Oilers' desperation for a goaltending upgrade could prompt them to explore all options. Veteran NHL insider Nick Kypreos suggested a potential trade centered around Skinner going to St. Louis in exchange for Binnington. However, it is unclear whether the Blues would be interested in Skinner, whose development in Edmonton has been uneven. Some reports indicate that the Oilers are not looking for a "lateral move" and would only pursue a trade if it represents a significant upgrade over their current options.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the history between the Oilers and Blues. TSN insider Chris Johnston has suggested that the offer sheets the Blues made to Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg in the past could hinder trade discussions between the two teams. However, others believe that any bad blood would likely be on the Oilers' side, not the Blues', and that St. Louis would move Binnington to the highest bidder regardless of past grievances.
Despite his recent struggles, Binnington brings a Stanley Cup-winning pedigree and a reputation for performing well in big games. Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur recently praised Binnington's mental toughness and ability to remain calm under pressure, qualities that could be invaluable for the Oilers in a playoff run. However, concerns remain about Binnington's consistency, as he has struggled to replicate his 2019 Stanley Cup form in recent seasons.
Ultimately, whether the Oilers pursue a trade for Binnington remains to be seen. The early pull and subsequent drama in St. Louis have undoubtedly added a new twist to the ongoing speculation. Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman must weigh the potential benefits of acquiring a proven goaltender against the financial and logistical challenges of making such a move. With the Oilers' playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the pressure is on to find a solution to their goaltending woes, and the Jordan Binnington situation will be one to watch in the coming weeks.
