Jordan Binnington, once the bedrock of the St. Louis Blues and a celebrated hero for leading them to their Stanley Cup victory in 2019, is facing a noticeable decline in his performance. After an outstanding start to his NHL career, where he quickly became the team's starter and propelled them from the bottom of the league to a championship, Binnington's recent seasons have been marked by inconsistency and struggles to maintain an elite level of play.
Binnington's emergence in the 2018-2019 season was nothing short of sensational. Called up mid-season, he posted a remarkable 16-3-1 record in his first 20 starts, accompanied by a stellar 1.70 goals-against average (GAA) and a .933 save percentage. His stellar play continued into the playoffs, where he backstopped the Blues to their first Stanley Cup since 1967, setting a rookie record with 16 playoff wins. To recognize his outstanding performance, Binnington was named to the Central Division team for the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.
However, the years following the Stanley Cup win have presented challenges for the goaltender. While he has remained the Blues' primary netminder, his numbers have gradually declined. The 2022–23 season saw Binnington appear in 61 games, recording a 27–27–6 record with a .894 save percentage and a 3.31 GAA. In the 2024-25 season, Binnington posted a 2.69 GAA and a .900 save percentage.
The current 2025-26 season paints a concerning picture. Through 25 games, Binnington has a record of 8-10-6, with a 3.40 GAA and a .874 save percentage. Recently, Binnington allowed six goals in a game against the Colorado Avalanche. This performance came shortly after he was named to Team Canada's Olympic roster, a decision that surprised many. However, he has also shown resilience, exemplified by his recent 2-0 shutout win against the Montreal Canadiens, where he saved all 25 shots.
One factor contributing to the perception of Binnington's decline is the rise of his teammate, Joel Hofer. Hofer's strong performances have led to a more split role in the Blues' goaltending duties.
Despite the recent struggles, it is important to remember Binnington's past achievements and his potential to regain his top form. He possesses the talent and experience to be a valuable asset for the Blues. With a $6 million cap hit, he also has job security with the team. His selection to Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics could serve as a confidence booster. If Binnington can find consistency in his game, he could once again establish himself as a reliable starting goalie.
