St. Louis Blues Ink RFA to New Contract

Hofer was under Blues control as a restricted free agent for the next three seasons. Hofer would stay a Blue unless he was traded, not offered a contract, or signed an offer sheet. However, the organization was prepared to lock up Hofer and they have done so.

Impressing Since Day 1

Joel Hofer became the Blues full-time backup goalie at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. The young goalie impressed in his first full season, posting a 15-12-1 record alongside a .913 save percentage and a 2.65 goals against average. Following that season, many wondered if the Blues would lock up the young goalie to a contract sooner rather than later.

The Blues elected to not sign Hofer. However, the Manitoba native was even better in 2024-25. He posted a 16-8-3 record alongside a 2.64 GAA and .904 save percentage. Hofer played in 31 of the team’s 82 games, helping the Blue Note reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

1A and 1B

Hofer and starter Jordan Binnington have formed one of the league’s best goaltending tandems in the NHL. While Binnington is the clear number one, Hofer has played more like a 1B than he has a regular backup.

The Blues will get to enjoy this tandem for the next two seasons at the least, as Binnington’s contract runs through the 2026-27 season.

Future Starter?

Binnington only has two years left on his contract. While it is hard to imagine the 2019 Stanley Cup Champion playing anywhere other than St. Louis, he will be 33 at the time that contract expires. The Blues could very well choose to re-sign him, and there is no indication to suggest they will not.

However, should Binnington not remain a Blue beyond 2026-27, at least they have Hofer locked up for the time being. No Blues fan wants to think about the idea of Binnington leaving, but at least the team will be in good hands between the pipes.