The Blues are a 'good' team but still short one quality Defenseman.....maybe two to be any sort of threat. Whether the GM wants to admit it or not....losing Petrangelo to free agency really gutted the D. While I still think that Vegas contract was a HORRIBLE contract for them......in the first few years it's not and he's proving why. Armstrong (and honestly me too) believe Paryako was ready to step up and fill that void/role but I don't think it's possible. Paryako is pretty good....but, he just can't get to that next level. The hole Petro leaving left is being felt still.
And....on another note.....Jordan Binnington is a train wreck. He's playing like he was 5th in the depth chart in the organizations goaltending roster which he was. I LOVE and appreciate that magic of 2019....it was awesome to watch and experience as a fan. Will always be thankful the dude showed up and was just lights out for two months and spearheaded that Championship Run. BUT....since then he's been average 'at best' and that's being nice. Horrid positioning and he allows at least two 'soft' goals a game. Just looks lost and like he's never played goal. Ken Hitchcock years ago called him 'swiss cheese' when describing him....saying he had hoes everywhere and it was spot on.
Ville Husso who 'was' the heir apparent back then but was hurt and that led to Binningtons chance.....is now healthy and playing lights out. I think at last glance he had a 1.3 or so GA %. Solid positioning and makes ALL the saves he should...where Binnington is now questionable that he can stop any shot that doesn't hit him in the chest.
Husso is a free agent after this season and the Blues signed Binnington to a 6 year deal at $6mil a year
First three years full no trade clause. So, in short....we're
Unless Binnington somehow snaps out of it but I have zero confidence that happens. I think we're seeing the 'real' Binnington now and we're stuck with a 2A goalie that's earning 1A+ money.