Plenty of ink has been spilled about the Blues’ defense, and it would be belaboring the point to dig the grave further here. And with Joel Hofer, an unproven 23-year-old rookie as his backup, he will have to make a complete 180 for the Blues to truly compete. But the fact remains that his performance hasn’t been nearly good enough for a number one goaltender, and certainly not for one making $6 million a season. Defenders will point to the blueline, and to strong stretches that Binnington has managed to string together at times (most notably in the 2021-22 postseason). 897 save percentage (SV%), a 3.24 goals-against average (GAA), and minus-26.6 goals saved above average (GSAA). But in the last two seasons, Binnington has gone 45-41-10, with a.
He stole the starting job from Binnington and earned a three-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings as a result. The 109-point team from 2021-22 - which Armstrong and fans often point to as an example of this team’s potential - was largely carried by Ville Husso’s fantastic play.
Related: Blues 2022-23 Report Cards: Jordan Binnington But that is not a realistic picture of the goaltender Binnington has been over the last two seasons. Blues fans would like to overlook Jordan Binnington’s struggles, blaming the team’s goals-against woes solely on the defense (who we will come to discuss momentarily). Without lingering here too long (there will be other articles for that), the Blues should have major concerns about their goaltending situation. Unfortunately, a hockey team isn’t built by a forward corps alone. All told the Blues have a forward corps that, in a vacuum, could compete for a playoff spot and even might be a threat once they make it there. Youngster Jake Neighbours will be looking to make an impact, and depth pieces like MacEachern, Nathan Walker, Alexey Toropchenko, and Sammy Blais should provide a lot of grit on the fourth line and some ability to play up and down the lineup. Kapanen and Vrana fit in very well after arriving near the deadline, and they combined for 18 goals and 28 points in 43 games with the Blues. Despite his feud with coach John Tortorella last season, Hayes was second on the Flyers in points with 54, managing 18 goals himself. Brayden Schenn and Brandon Saad are veterans with playoff experience and scoring touch. Louis Blues (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)īeyond the stars, there is still a lot of depth. Louis Blues ( Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers) Jordan Kyrou, St. Louis Blues ( Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers) Pavel Buchnevich, St. The trio combined for 205 points and 81 goals last season even despite the team’s struggles, and as Thomas and Kyrou enter the first year of long, expensive contract extensions, the pressure on them to carry the team offensively will kick into overdrive. They also have stars up front, as Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Pavel Buchnevich are talented enough to be one of the most dangerous lines and power play units in the NHL. Three of those have left, but Armstrong will hope that Hayes, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jakub Vrána will be able to supplement their scoring sufficiently. Louis put on an offensive showcase and had nine forwards with 20 goals or more. The Blues do have some stars up front and a lot of depth to supplement them. Let’s take a better look at their strengths and weaknesses. But as they are currently structured, the Blues should not be viewed as a serious competitor next season. Of course, in a league that allows half its teams into the playoffs, any team can get hot enough for a month-long stretch to reach the postseason. While Armstrong can happy talk about this being largely the same roster that was capable of a 109-point season in 2021-22 (especially on defense), the reality is that this roster looks eerily similar to the team that finished with 81 points last season - except without Tarasenko, O’Reilly, or Barbashev, who all started the 2022-23 season with the Blues.
Kevin Hayes, pictured in a Philadelphia Flyers “Hockey Fights Cancer” warmup jersey, is, at present, the Blues most significant offseason acquisition ( Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
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