Hofer ready for more with Blues

There’s a legitimate argument to be made that the best Canadian goaltender on the St. Louis Blues is not the one who was standing in net during the gold medal game last month in Milan.

No disrespect to Olympic silver medallist Jordan Binnington, but Joel Hofer has seized control of his team’s crease this season. The 25-year-old Winnipegger has already set career highs in games played, wins and shutouts, showing he has the makeup to take on a bigger role with the club.

He’ll likely get his chance, too, with the 32-year-old Binnington — who was in net on Sunday afternoon as the Blues fell 3-2 to the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre — under contract for just one more year and the subject of plenty of trade rumours.

“I’m a competitor. I always want to play. I obviously can’t control who starts or what not,” Hofer told the Free Press following the game.

“Just try to make the most out of my starts. And when I’m not starting, try to be a good teammate and obviously support Jordan. It’s a good tandem we’ve got here. We’re always trying to give our team a chance to win. It’s been fun.”

They may both be trying, but the numbers suggest one is succeeding a lot more than the other.

Hofer is 17-11-4 with five shutouts, a 2.70 goals against average and a .907 save percentage. Binnington is 10-19-6 with one shutout, a 3.47 GAA and .871 SV%.

“Just trying to stay in the moment,” Hofer said of what’s been working so well. “Not focus too much on the past games or anything like that. Just trying to stay focused on the game at hand.”

Hofer was selected by the Blues in the fourth round, 107th-overall, during the 2018 NHL draft and, like most goaltenders, took a longer route to the big leagues.

He spent three seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Swift Current Broncos and Portland Winterhawks before turning pro in 2020. Hofer then worked on his craft primarily at the American Hockey League level, appearing in 97 games over four seasons.

Hofer made his NHL debut during the 2021-22 season and has jumped from two to six to 30 to 31 to now 37 games (and counting). He’ll easily end up with something north of 40 this year, especially given his performance so far and the fact St. Louis is still pushing for a playoff spot.

His development has become a major storyline in St. Louis.

“… we haven’t given up. We’re still fighting. I like the fight of our group.”

“No one in our dressing room is surprised by it, just because of his talent level and his compete level and his composure,” said Blues coach Jim Montgomery. “All of those areas have continued to improve.”

This season didn’t exactly begin on the right foot for Hofer, who gave up 17 goals in his first four appearances as the Blues struggled mightily out of the gate.

“A tough start for me and the group. It’s tough to chase for a playoff spot from behind. But we’ve been playing some good hockey lately, We just have to keep pushing,” he said.

St. Louis arrived in Winnipeg with points in seven straight games (6-0-1) before falling to the Jets on Sunday. There’s a good chance Hofer will be back in net as this road trip continues Wednesday in Calgary.

“It’s obviously nice to win a string of games, but it’s tough to chase when you’re behind. But we haven’t given up. We’re still fighting. I like the fight of our group,” said Hofer.

“I feel good. I think that comes with the team playing better. Obviously stricter in the d-zone and tighter on guys. I think we’re battling hard. We’ve had a good stretch. That comes from good defence and trying to be my best and give ourselves a chance to win. It’s been fun.”

This, despite the fact they unloaded some veterans at the trade deadline including captain Brayden Schenn and defenceman Justin Faulk.

“It’s a love-hate,” Hofer said of the moves.

“It’s tough to lose those guys, who are so important to our room. They’re obviously going to be missed. They’re a huge part of our room and on the ice, too. But with that comes more responsibility for other guys, younger guys. I think those guys have made the most of those opportunities.”

Hofer credited the friendship and mentorship of Binnington, who stood on his head in February 2025 as Canada won the 4 Nations Faceoff, which essentially secured his spot on the Winter Olympic squad a year later.

“Nice to get a home-cooked meal (on Saturday) at my parents’ place. Any time you can come home is pretty special.”

Despite obvious struggles this NHL season, Binnington was solid in Italy, ultimately coming one save short as Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner for the Americans in the gold medal game.

“He’s played in a bunch of big games. He’s been a role model to me and to our other teammates,” Hofer said of Binnington. “He’s just been great to me.”

Manitoba continues to pump out quality hockey players at a high rate, but elite goaltenders have been in short supply. Consider this: Hofer, with 106 career NHL games on his resume already, is tied with Joe Daley for 13th all-time amongst Manitoba puck-stoppers.

While the likes of Terry Sawchuk and Ed Belfour will be tough to match, Hofer is on track to be one of the finest masked men this province has produced in quite some time.

Hofer credits Winnipeg’s Dan Ferguson, who works out of The Rink Academy and has been working with him since he was 11 years old.

“It’s been a long time. We have a great relationship. He’s always there for me,” said Hofer.

And his hockey “village” of family and good friends who turn out in droves every time the Blues come to town — including games like Sunday where he is relegated to backup duty.

“Nice to get a home-cooked meal (on Saturday) at my parents’ place. Any time you can come home is pretty special,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be here without them. They’re obviously supporting me whether I have good games or bad games. They’re always there for me. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done.”

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