Jordan Binnington posted a .873 save percentage across 41 games in 2025-26, the lowest mark of his career.
Binnington’s numbers invite suitors despite record
St. Louis finished the season with Binnington at 13-20-7. Joel Hofer recorded 24-13-5 with a .910 save percentage in 46 appearances. The contrast leaves the Blues holding a $6-million cap hit entering its final year.
Binnington’s prior playoff success and 4 Nations Face-Off performance still draw attention. Retaining salary in any deal would increase his appeal to contenders.
Puckpedia lists the contract expiring after 2026-27, making Binnington an unrestricted free agent the following summer.
Teams weighing a trade must balance one poor season against Hofer’s emergence as the presumptive starter.
Devils weigh Markstrom’s declining value
New Jersey acquired Jacob Markstrom in 2024 for a first-round pick and Kevin Bahl. Markstrom delivered a .883 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average in 44 games this season.
The Devils would likely receive less in return than they paid two years earlier. Markstrom’s age of 36 and recent results reduce his market price.
His three prior seasons above .900 save percentage keep him a potential bounce-back option for another club.
Cap relief from his $5-million-plus hit would allow New Jersey to pursue other roster upgrades.
Hellebuyck rumors intensify around Winnipeg
Connor Hellebuyck owns three Vezina Trophies and one Hart Memorial Trophy. Recent reports from Sportsnet and Spector’s Hockey indicate growing trade speculation after a disappointing Jets season.
No formal request has been confirmed, yet multiple teams, including Florida, monitor the situation. Hellebuyck’s desire for a contending environment could accelerate discussions.
Winnipeg holds leverage as his current club, yet retaining an unhappy star carries its own cost.
A trade would likely fetch multiple first-round picks and young assets given his resume.
Canadiens eye Montembeault exit
Samuel Montembeault posted a .872 save percentage and 3.43 goals-against average in 25 games. Montreal lists him at a $3.15-million cap hit through 2026-27.
Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler have passed him on the depth chart. The Canadiens cannot afford a third-string goalie at that price during their contention window.
Montembeault exceeded .900 save percentage in each of the three preceding seasons. That track record may still attract a team needing a veteran backup.
Moving him would free both dollars and roster spots for other needs.
Unless the Jets resolve Hellebuyck’s status before July 1, the four candidates ensure at least one netminder changes teams this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.