Blues' Future in Flux: Trading Jordan Binnington or Robert Thomas?
By Josh Erickson | March 3, 2026
The St. Louis Blues are facing a pivotal moment in their season. With rising interest in star forward Robert Thomas, the team is also considering a potential trade involving their starting goaltender, Jordan Binnington. This week promises to be transformative, as the Blues navigate a delicate balance between retooling and rebuilding.
The Shift in Focus
The Blues have been quietly gauging interest in Binnington, who was once considered a cornerstone of the team. However, recent reports suggest a shift in their stance. NHL Network's Brian Lawton claims the Blues are ready to move on from Binnington, indicating a potential trade is imminent. This marks a significant change from the recent sentiment that the team was merely listening to offers without serious consideration.
Trade Speculation
Binnington's name has been circulating on trade boards, albeit lower than expected. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period ranked him as a 'bubble player' outside the top 40, while TSN's Trade Bait list placed him 24th, and Chris Johnston's The Athletic list ranked him 43rd. The Blues' interest in trading Binnington seems intertwined with the future of Thomas, who has been attracting attention from teams like the Mammoth and Sabres.
Strategic Moves
The Blues' strategy is to either retool or undergo a full-scale rebuild. Moving one high-caliber player without the other doesn't align with their goals. As a result, the increased interest in Binnington coincides with intriguing offers for Thomas, prompting a potential trade. Doug Armstrong, the general manager, seems inclined to make a move, further fueling the speculation.
Assessing Binnington's Value
Binnington's trade value is a complex matter. He has a desirable contract for an established starter with a $6MM cap hit, set to expire after next season. His exceptional performances for Team Canada, including a championship at the 4 Nations Face-Off and a silver medal at the Winter Olympics, showcase his talent. However, his inconsistent performance as the NHL's worst starter this season cannot be ignored.
Analytical Perspective
Analytics support the idea of trading Binnington. His .867 SV% and 8-18-6 record in 31 starts this year are concerning, especially when compared to backup Joel Hofer's .899 SV% in a similar workload. Binnington's -23.8 goals saved above expected are the worst in the league, according to MoneyPuck. The recent hot streak of Hofer, a promising prospect, further strengthens the case for trading Binnington.
The Logical Progression
The Blues' decision to trade Binnington becomes more logical if they can extract maximum value from him before he becomes a free agent. Hofer's strong performance and a year left on his contract at $3.4MM make him an attractive option for a team seeking a playoff run. The Blues can benefit from acquiring a player with a proven track record in the playoffs.
As the Blues navigate this transformative week, the future of Binnington and Thomas remains uncertain. The team's strategic moves will shape their destiny, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly awaiting the outcome.
