Jordan Binnington isn't one that's foreign to controversy. With the way things have been going with the St. Louis Blues, there were murmurs that perhaps the feisty netminder might want to consider greener pastures.
In recording a 4-3 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres, the Blues did garner one point, but it didn't do much to change the bigger narrative that the future is rather dim for this team, and where Jordan Binnington fits into that picture.
Via Jimmy Murphy of 'The Responsible Gambler', if the Blues don't find some consistency by Thanksgiving weekend, general general manager Doug Armstrong may start to look to make trades.
One source did confirm Binnington's frustration is growing, and some speculate that he might even request a trade himself.
Of course, this would hardly be the first time the 2019 Stanley Cup hero caused a bit of a ruckus due to his emotional, at times volatile personality.
An NHL scout said after a recent 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins, that he wonders if Binnington will ask to be traded eventually.
His frustration has appeared to be a mirror image of the Blues' uneven performance this season.
Even as they sit just three points outside a playoff spot 17 games into the 2024-25 campaign, instability with the team has called into question which direction they're headed.
Still only 30, Binnington remains a very attractive commodity for the Blues. Signed through 2027 with a reasonable $6-million annual cap hit, teams would surely line up around the block if he were made available. The Carolina Hurricanes are said to be one team keeping a very close eye on events.
For now, the Blues remain within striking distance of playoff contention. Whether the team steadies itself, or pivots toward significant changes, will likely determine Binnington's fate.
With his trademark intensity and limited patience, the spotlight's on him as tensions simmer, and this is definitely a story to watch.
POLL | ||
Will Jordan Binnington request a trade soon? | ||
Yes | 72 | 66.7 % |
No | 36 | 33.3 % |
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