Goalie thoughts

[a smell of green grass]

The Blues won't be competing for the Cup anytime soon. Binnington has done all that he can do in STL, and we need to figure out who the next goalie is. However, I wouldn't give him away. Nothing less than Round 1 #7 is enough. I would be completely happy to keep Binnington for 5 more years.

[DawgDad]

The Blues won't be competing for the Cup anytime soon. Binnington has done all that he can do in STL, and we need to figure out who the next goalie is. However, I wouldn't give him away. Nothing less than Round 1 #7 is enough. I would be completely happy to keep Binnington for 5 more years.

Your premise (opening sentence) is rejected outright.

[Nublues69]

So you think Ellis will be oddman out like bishop was to allen.

We defiantly picked the wrong goalie in that situation didnt we

[DawgDad]

So you think Ellis will be oddman out like bishop was to allen.

We defiantly picked the wrong goalie in that situation didnt we

A good case can be made that Bishop was instrumental in the Blues winning the Cup.

[Cahokanut]

It time to recycle.
I think Bunny has built up some value as a big game goaler. I wouldn't want to move on. But I would for the right price at the deadline(if team not looking good)
It would be best that Ellis and Hofer get some starts in before the deadline. I'd want some value created as a upgrade option at another position (if needed)

[STL fan in MN]

It time to recycle.
I think Bunny has built up some value as a big game goaler. I wouldn't want to move on. But I would for the right price at the deadline(if team not looking good)
It would be best that Ellis and Hofer get some starts in before the deadline. I'd want some value created as a upgrade option at another position (if needed)

I understand the sentiment of wanting to sell high on Binner but I wouldn’t be quick to trade him. First off, the Blues are a team on the rise aiming to make noise in the playoffs this season. Teams like that don’t trade their starter. Unless of course, things go completely sideways and they’re out of the playoff picture at the TDL.

But beyond that, I wouldn’t want to trade Binner for the sheer fact we know he’s a big game goalie. He’s won a Cup and now the 4 Nations as well. To me, the main thing separating an average goalie from the next tier is the mental part of the game. From a talent perspective, Binner is pretty much league average, maybe slightly above average. But it’s the hardest job in the league from a mental standpoint and many goalies wilt under that pressure so matter how much talent have and hard work they put in. Binner has that winning mentality. We don’t know if either of Hofer or Ellis do yet. And you just can’t find out until they’re put in that position at least a couple times…which pretty much only occurs during the NHL playoffs. That’s the litmus test IMO.

We will one day have to find out if Hofer or Ellis are up to the mental task of being “the guy” in the brightest spotlight in this sport. But for now, I wouldn’t be so quick to trade away one of the few goalies in the world I’d trust under that spotlight.

[Aesa]

It time to recycle.
I think Bunny has built up some value as a big game goaler. I wouldn't want to move on. But I would for the right price at the deadline(if team not looking good)
It would be best that Ellis and Hofer get some starts in before the deadline. I'd want some value created as a upgrade option at another position (if needed)

I understand the sentiment of wanting to sell high on Binner but I wouldn’t be quick to trade him. First off, the Blues are a team on the rise aiming to make noise in the playoffs this season. Teams like that don’t trade their starter. Unless of course, things go completely sideways and they’re out of the playoff picture at the TDL.

But beyond that, I wouldn’t want to trade Binner for the sheer fact we know he’s a big game goalie. He’s won a Cup and now the 4 Nations as well. To me, the main thing separating an average goalie from the next tier is the mental part of the game. From a talent perspective, Binner is pretty much league average, maybe slightly above average. But it’s the hardest job in the league from a mental standpoint and many goalies wilt under that pressure so matter how much talent have and hard work they put in. Binner has that winning mentality. We don’t know if either of Hofer or Ellis do yet. And you just can’t find out until they’re put in that position at least a couple times…which pretty much only occurs during the NHL playoffs. That’s the litmus test IMO.

We will one day have to find out if Hofer or Ellis are up to the mental task of being “the guy” in the brightest spotlight in this sport. But for now, I wouldn’t be so quick to trade away one of the few goalies in the world I’d trust under that spotlight.

Well stated, MN. Well stated indeed.

[moose-and-squirrel]

It time to recycle.
I think Bunny has built up some value as a big game goaler. I wouldn't want to move on. But I would for the right price at the deadline(if team not looking good)
It would be best that Ellis and Hofer get some starts in before the deadline. I'd want some value created as a upgrade option at another position (if needed)

why is it time to 'recycle'?

[Blues Dave]

Hardest position to play on a hockey team in my opinion. Binner helps in that we don't have to have the very best at some other positions. I believe we'd better hold on to him.

[Cahokanut]

It time to recycle.
I think Bunny has built up some value as a big game goaler. I wouldn't want to move on. But I would for the right price at the deadline(if team not looking good)
It would be best that Ellis and Hofer get some starts in before the deadline. I'd want some value created as a upgrade option at another position (if needed)

I understand the sentiment of wanting to sell high on Binner but I wouldn’t be quick to trade him. First off, the Blues are a team on the rise aiming to make noise in the playoffs this season. Teams like that don’t trade their starter. Unless of course, things go completely sideways and they’re out of the playoff picture at the TDL.

But beyond that, I wouldn’t want to trade Binner for the sheer fact we know he’s a big game goalie. He’s won a Cup and now the 4 Nations as well. To me, the main thing separating an average goalie from the next tier is the mental part of the game. From a talent perspective, Binner is pretty much league average, maybe slightly above average. But it’s the hardest job in the league from a mental standpoint and many goalies wilt under that pressure so matter how much talent have and hard work they put in. Binner has that winning mentality. We don’t know if either of Hofer or Ellis do yet. And you just can’t find out until they’re put in that position at least a couple times…which pretty much only occurs during the NHL playoffs. That’s the litmus test IMO.

We will one day have to find out if Hofer or Ellis are up to the mental task of being “the guy” in the brightest spotlight in this sport. But for now, I wouldn’t be so quick to trade away one of the few goalies in the world I’d trust under that spotlight.

I don't really want to trade Binner. I'd rather this team be far ahead and waiting on playoffs by the deadline. But I'm not convinced they have the team to do it. Even if every prospect hits. They top out at replacement of the elders and are more then a couple years out from being mature enough for a run. imo
So, if things are not going good at deadline. I'd rather not continue in the middle of the road. Id rather trade away and tank the rest of the year on a extended camp for all the youth and get one of this year's top picks.

I don't necessarily agree on how to get there. But I agree a top pick in next year's draft sets us for a good enough (we'll miss Bolduc) long cup contending future. Or we will play the value out of our top of the bubble Blues.

[DawgDad]

It time to recycle.
I think Bunny has built up some value as a big game goaler. I wouldn't want to move on. But I would for the right price at the deadline(if team not looking good)
It would be best that Ellis and Hofer get some starts in before the deadline. I'd want some value created as a upgrade option at another position (if needed)

I understand the sentiment of wanting to sell high on Binner but I wouldn’t be quick to trade him. First off, the Blues are a team on the rise aiming to make noise in the playoffs this season. Teams like that don’t trade their starter. Unless of course, things go completely sideways and they’re out of the playoff picture at the TDL.

But beyond that, I wouldn’t want to trade Binner for the sheer fact we know he’s a big game goalie. He’s won a Cup and now the 4 Nations as well. To me, the main thing separating an average goalie from the next tier is the mental part of the game. From a talent perspective, Binner is pretty much league average, maybe slightly above average. But it’s the hardest job in the league from a mental standpoint and many goalies wilt under that pressure so matter how much talent have and hard work they put in. Binner has that winning mentality. We don’t know if either of Hofer or Ellis do yet. And you just can’t find out until they’re put in that position at least a couple times…which pretty much only occurs during the NHL playoffs. That’s the litmus test IMO.

We will one day have to find out if Hofer or Ellis are up to the mental task of being “the guy” in the brightest spotlight in this sport. But for now, I wouldn’t be so quick to trade away one of the few goalies in the world I’d trust under that spotlight.

I don't really want to trade Binner. I'd rather this team be far ahead and waiting on playoffs by the deadline. But I'm not convinced they have the team to do it. Even if every prospect hits. They top out at replacement of the elders and are more then a couple years out from being mature enough for a run. imo
So, if things are not going good at deadline. I'd rather not continue in the middle of the road. Id rather trade away and tank the rest of the year on a extended camp for all the youth and get one of this year's top picks.

I don't necessarily agree on how to get there. But I agree a top pick in next year's draft sets us for a good enough (we'll miss Bolduc) long cup contending future. Or we will play the value out of our top of the bubble Blues.

Let me give you another take. They came within a 3-second and late double overtime whisker of making a run last season. They have a healthy mix of veterans and prospects in the system, no serious cap constraints. The forwards are set up for transition, the defensive contract structure and prospect pool will keep the ship afloat, Hofer or Ellis might help, too. They know how to win, they learned their shortcomings and have hopefully shored up some of them.

It's possible they might take a half-step backwards to take a big step forward. Snuggerud, Mailloux, and Dvorsky may move the needle but they may not be fully ready yet. Veterans might start to fade. Then again, this team COULD win the Division.

[theograce]

Hoping for a break out year for Hofer. He has size and is already one of the best puck managers in the world.

[dhsux]

It time to recycle.
I think Bunny has built up some value as a big game goaler. I wouldn't want to move on. But I would for the right price at the deadline(if team not looking good)
It would be best that Ellis and Hofer get some starts in before the deadline. I'd want some value created as a upgrade option at another position (if needed)

I understand the sentiment of wanting to sell high on Binner but I wouldn’t be quick to trade him. First off, the Blues are a team on the rise aiming to make noise in the playoffs this season. Teams like that don’t trade their starter. Unless of course, things go completely sideways and they’re out of the playoff picture at the TDL.

But beyond that, I wouldn’t want to trade Binner for the sheer fact we know he’s a big game goalie. He’s won a Cup and now the 4 Nations as well. To me, the main thing separating an average goalie from the next tier is the mental part of the game. From a talent perspective, Binner is pretty much league average, maybe slightly above average. But it’s the hardest job in the league from a mental standpoint and many goalies wilt under that pressure so matter how much talent have and hard work they put in. Binner has that winning mentality. We don’t know if either of Hofer or Ellis do yet. And you just can’t find out until they’re put in that position at least a couple times…which pretty much only occurs during the NHL playoffs. That’s the litmus test IMO.

We will one day have to find out if Hofer or Ellis are up to the mental task of being “the guy” in the brightest spotlight in this sport. But for now, I wouldn’t be so quick to trade away one of the few goalies in the world I’d trust under that spotlight.

Well stated, MN. Well stated indeed.

My thoughts exactly but a step further.

I believe JB will be as effective into his later career as he is today. I would not move him this year period, no matter a TDL "deal". The Blues time is coming.

Secondly, he is a statue player imo and he has great value to this franchise beyond on ice. I so hope he wants to sign a friendly extension and finish up here, selfishly.