The NHL trade deadline is about a week away. As such, it’s crunch time for teams looking to upgrade this season. The clock is also winding down on teams looking to cash in on potential trade chips.
One of the most discussed chips this season is St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington. The 32-year-old had a strong showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics with Team Canada. While he was unable to win gold, his performance proved he remains a solid big-game goalie.
That said, one of the teams linked to Binnington is the Carolina Hurricanes. Two notable insiders, David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period and Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet, have posited the possibility of the Canes eyeing the 2019 Stanley Cup champ.
This year’s NHL trade deadline could offer Carolina the opportunity to offer a bona fide top-notch goaltender. Yes, the emergence of Brandon Bussi has kept the Hurricanes in contention this season. But one has to wonder if the Canes really want to pin their playoff hopes on an untested 27-year-old rookie?
That’s why kicking the tires on someone like Binnington makes sense. The Blues are willing to listen on everyone at the NHL trade deadline. So, it wouldn’t be a huge stretch to see the Blues entertaining offers from just about every contending team looking for an upgrade.
Oilers No Longer in Running for Binnington at NHL Trade Deadline
A rumor that seemed to run forever was the Edmonton Oilers targeting Binnington. Initially, Binnington was a trade target at the beginning of the season. Then, the chatter turned to the Blues and Oilers pulling off an NHL trade deadline deal.
That situation seemed to change course when the Oilers traded for Tristan Jarry earlier this season. As such, the Oilers don’t seem like a team that would be willing to take a shot on Binnington.
Of course, fans should completely dismiss the possibility of Binnington heading to Oil Country. If Jarry falters in the postseason, the Oilers may circle back to Binnington. But that seems more like an offseason move and an NHL trade deadline one.
Blues Won’t Sell Low on Binnington
The talk surrounding a Binnington trade has been the asking price. The Blues are not looking to sell low on the veteran netminder. The asking price could be mind-shocking for some teams. But if there’s one club that could pay the price, it’s Carolina.
The Hurricanes have over $33 million to play with at the NHL trade deadline. That’s why adding Binnington’s salary should be a tough thing to do.
Additionally, Carolina has its first-rounder this season and two in 2028. That’s something that could entice the Blues to get trigger-happy. Adding multiple first-round picks might be something St. Louis would want to do.
The only remaining question would be: What other pieces could Carolina offer in exchange? Perhaps two first-rounders and an NHL-ready prospect could work. The Blues won’t be looking to add a goalie since they already have Joel Hofer ready to take over the starting role.
That’s why St. Louis might be eyeing a young skater, most likely a forward, to complement their ongoing rebuild.
NHL Trade Deadline: East-Coast Team Eyeing Blues’ Olympian