Binnington vs. Hofer: Who Should Start for the Blues?

The St. Louis Blues have struggled to find consistency early in the 2025–26 season, with much of the discussion centered on their goalie rotation. Head coach Jim Montgomery has divided starts between veteran Jordan Binnington and young Joel Hofer, aiming to balance steady play while giving Hofer a chance to develop. Both goalies have seen ice time, but the team’s mixed results suggest the need for a clearer approach in net.

Binnington Provides Stability

Jordan Binnington has started five games this season, posting a 2–2–1 record, a 2.75 goals-against average (GAA), and a .885 save percentage. While these numbers are respectable, they show the challenges of maintaining consistency in a season marked by frequent changes in the crease.

Over his NHL career, Binnington has played 342 regular-season games, accumulating a 2.78 GAA and a .906 save percentage. His experience has been invaluable in high-pressure situations, including leading the Blues to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019 and setting the franchise record for wins by a goaltender. Still, even with his experience, inconsistency has crept into his game this season, with goals allowed at inopportune times and occasional lapses in performance.

The rotation is affecting defensive confidence, as players adjust to different goaltending styles. This uncertainty can affect the team’s overall confidence, as players struggle to adapt to different playing styles and rhythms in net.

Hofer Shows Potential, But Struggles

Joel Hofer has appeared in three games this season, posting a 1–1–0 record, a 6.22 GAA, and a .789 save percentage. These statistics highlight the challenges he faces in establishing himself as a reliable starter at the NHL level.

Over his career, Hofer has played 72 regular-season games, a 2.82 GAA, and a .905 save percentage. While these numbers show promise, his recent performances have been marked by inconsistency, including being pulled multiple times early in games. These early exits underscore the team’s current lack of trust in his ability to handle the starting role on a consistent basis.

Montgomery’s rotation aims to give Hofer with valuable experience, but the frequent changes hinder his development. The lack of a clear starting role can prevent Hofer from building the confidence and consistency needed to thrive at the NHL level. Additionally, the team’s defensive play suffer as players adjust to different goaltending styles, leading to potential breakdowns and increased pressure on the netminder.

Why Binnington Should Be the Starter

Making Binnington the clear starter gives the Blues the stability they desperately need. His experience and proven ability under pressure allow the team to play with confidence, knowing they have a reliable presence in net. It also sets a consistent rhythm for the defense, reducing confusion and mistakes that often result from frequent goalie changes.

Prioritizing Binnington does not mean Hofer is sidelined. He can continue to gain experience in lower-pressure games, gradually building the confidence and consistency required for a future starting role. In the short term, though, the team’s best chance to stabilize their season, climb the standings and maintain competitive confidence lies with Binnington as the anchor in net. A clear starting goaltender not only strengthens the defense but also allows the Blues to focus on execution, puck management and team unity, factors that are essential for sustained success over an 82-game season.