Trade discussions surrounding the St. Louis Blues have increasingly focused on Jordan Binnington, whose tumultuous season has prompted doubts about his position as an NHL starting goaltender. These concerns have also affected his trade value, leading many to question whether Binnington could be an asset for other teams.
However, recent developments have altered the narrative. Following his selection to Team Canada’s Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Games, Binnington has shown a notable improvement in performance. Although he hasn’t dominated the ice, his contributions have been sufficient to propel Team Canada into the gold-medal game.
Binnington’s unexpected resurgence at the Olympics has significantly boosted his trade value. Drawing a parallel to the stock market, his situation resembles that of an underperforming stock gaining traction due to the overall heat in the sector. Team Canada’s success has painted Binnington in a favorable light, making him appear more valuable than his regular-season performance would suggest.
Had the Canadian team been in a position where they relied on Binnington to carry them, the outcome might have been different. Even if Team Canada falls short in the final, Binnington’s value has already seen a notable increase, meaning that should the Blues pursue a trade, they could potentially demand a steep price.
Binnington has exhibited troubling tendencies, particularly with shaky starts in recent games for Canada. However, he has consistently made crucial saves when it counts most. In the semi-final match, he delivered critical saves that helped keep Canada competitive until they could secure a comeback victory.
This reliability during high-pressure moments presents an appealing aspect for teams eyeing a playoff run. While Binnington may not be the sole factor in clinching a Stanley Cup, in a well-structured defensive team, he has the potential to be the key player that turns the tide in crucial playoff games, making him an attractive option for franchises looking to enhance their goaltending situation.