Goaltending is often referred to as being wizardry and voodoo, and it’s not always the easiest position to play when mistakes are costly and the spotlight often focuses on the guy between the pipes.

Jordan Binnington was a highly touted prospect in 2011, and the St. Louis opted to select him as 88th overall in that years NHL Entry Draft.

It’s not been the easiest journey toward the NHL for the Ontario native, having endured various ups and downs, including being loaned outside of the Blues organisation to receive playing time.

Turning professional in 2013, Binnington’s rookie season was a success despite exclusively playing in the notably high-scoring ECHL.
He helped backstop Kalamazoo to first in their division with a 23-13-3 record.
Fifth overall in wins, Binnington finished with impressive statistics including the fourth best save percentage (.922).
Looked over for the most part during the playoff round one defeat in six games, his 1.89GAA and 0.946Sv% in two games certainly put a question mark against the Wings decision not play him more.

It all appeared very promising for St. Louis as their goaltending prospect carried similar form into his first AHL campaign.
A 25-15-4 record, 0.916Sv%, 2.35GAA and three shutouts propelled the Chicago Wolves into the post-season. Even the first round loss couldn’t be hung on Binnington as the rookie posted a 0.938Sv% through the five game series defeat.

The following campaign in 2015-16 was a disaster as far as the Wolves were concerned, as they missed the playoff by compiling a record under .500.
Binnington’s number weren’t horrible (2.85GAA/0.907Sv%) however, despite Chicago’s minus 24 goal differential and he was responsible for over 50% of the victories that season.
A first (relief) appearance in the NHL didn’t do much to enhance his season , as he allowed one goal on four shots in thirteen minutes.

With three goaltenders in the mix (Phoenix Copley and Ville Husso), Binnington was restricted to 32 appearances for Chicago in 2016-17.
His statistics (2.71GAA/0.911SV%) didn’t quite match up to the internal competition and Ville Husso was given the nod toward the end of the season and in the playoffs despite some excellent performance in relief from Binnington.

With the Vegas Golden Knight’s taking Chicago Wolves as their affiliate from 2017-18, roster spots were at a premium and there was no room at the inn for the goaltender who had to sit and bide his time as St. Louis attempted to find a berth for him in the AHL.

Providence proved to be the perfect place for Binnington as he posted a 17-9-1 record, one shutout, a 2.05GAA, 0.926Sv% and was selected to represent the Bruins at the All-Star game.
Ranked amongst the top five (to have played 15+ games) in the league for the two latter statistics, it was a pretty impressive showing for a goaltender during the last year of his contract (RFA), playing alongside an entirely new set of team-mates and coaches, in new surroundings.

With the introduction of a 31st NHL team, St. Louis now have an affiliation to call their own in San Antonio.
The Rampage will have one of the best goaltending tandem’s in the league with Ville Husso and Jordan Binnington between the pipes.

It’s a big year for the Blues organisation as far as goaltending goes with current #2 Chad Johnson entering the last season of his contract and the same applies to the aforementioned duo, who must see an opportunity to earn an NHL spot in the near future.

The 25 year old will certainly benefit from a more settled situation in San Antonio, including a familiar face as head coach
Drew Bannister recently named CHL coach of the year (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) was with Binnington as an assistant coach in Owen Sound and is taking the step-up to the AHL for the first time.