Jordan Binnington found himself subjected to considerable pressure and close examination during this period a year ago.
The Canadian netminder encountered numerous inquiries before the 4 Nations Face-Off due to his somewhat inconsistent performance statistics in the NHL.
Binnington dismissed the concerns and once more rose to the occasion during critical junctures, particularly in the championship game against the United States, where he executed a series of astonishing overtime blocks, ultimately preceding Connor McDavid’s overtime goal that secured a momentous win.
The athlete who previously won the Stanley Cup exhibits even more questionable statistics in the 2025-26 season; however, should Canada select the St. Louis Blues goalie, Binnington will be prepared and eager to once again refute those who doubt him.
Regarding external criticisms, the 34-year-old stated, “I simply remain focused on my own approach. I place my confidence in my method, possess conviction and self-assurance, and dedicate my utmost effort during play.”
On Wednesday, head coach Jon Cooper remained guarded, choosing not to disclose his preferred starting goaltender for the nation’s inaugural match against Czechia at the Milan Cortina Olympics, approximately a day prior to the NHL’s top players making their comeback to the global sporting spotlight.
Binnington occupied one of the goal creeses for the majority of the sixty-minute practice session, while Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson alternated responsibilities at the opposite end.
Although Cooper refrained from declaring Binnington as his primary choice, his subsequent remarks heavily implied that the player from Richmond Hill, Ont., would be guiding the Canadian men’s national squad onto the rink Thursday afternoon at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Referring to Binnington’s performance at the 4 Nations, Cooper commented, “He performed exceptionally when it mattered most, on the grandest platform, during the most crucial juncture. I have witnessed this previously. Certain individuals possess that unique quality. He came through when his services were most required; is such consistency assured? One can never predict that.”
However, considering all we observed during that playoff surge and his subsequent achievements, his contributions have been quite extraordinary.
‘Profound confidence’ in Binnington
That playoff surge comprised Binnington’s outstanding play for the Blues, contributing to their 2019 Cup victory, which featured a decisive Game 7 win away from home.
Canadian general manager Doug Armstrong, who also serves in that capacity for St. Louis, stated, “There exists enormous trust. When athletes observe that repeatedly, it establishes a fundamental understanding that, ‘Alright, in critical situations, we have confidence in this individual.’ I believe that is their current sentiment regarding Binner. We possess two outstanding collaborators for him. Our goaltending situation, I am aware, is frequently discussed.”
I hold absolute certainty that we will identify the appropriate course of action.
Nonetheless, Binnington currently ranks 35th in the NHL for both save percentage (.864) and goals-against average (3.65) playing for the Blues, who are positioned second-to-last in the league’s overall standings, among goalies having made a minimum of 25 appearances in the 2025-26 season.
Host Karissa Donkin is joined by Jeff Marek to discuss how Hockey Canada will approach their goaltenders at Milano Cortina 2026.
Conversely, Thompson occupies the fifth position for save percentage (.912) and GAA (2.45) while with the Washington Capitals. Kuemper, for his part, is ranked 18th in save percentage (.900) and 10th in GAA (2.59) playing for the Los Angeles Kings.
Kuemper also raised the Cup in 2022 as part of the Colorado Avalanche roster, whereas Thompson has been recognized as one of the league’s statistically strongest goaltenders throughout the past two seasons.
Binnington observed, “This squad possesses significant talent. Excellent individuals, true Canadians.”
On Wednesday, Cooper additionally made minor adjustments to some of his forward line configurations.
The primary offensive line, featuring Connor McDavid centered by Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson, was left unaltered, and Sidney Crosby continued to play alongside Mitch Marner and Mark Stone.
Nathan MacKinnon was assigned two fresh wingers in Brandon Hagel and Sam Reinhart, a change also seen with Bo Horvat, who played between Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki. The defensive pairings, headed by Cale Makar and Devon Toews, saw no alterations.
Regarding the practice, Cooper remarked, “I am the last person to stand here and dictate, ‘You must do this, you must do that, you must position yourself here, or there.’ Allow the world’s premier athletes to perform, and subsequently, we can make adjustments.”
NHL returns following prolonged absence
The NHL makes its return to the Olympics subsequent to a twelve-year interruption. Canada secured gold medals with its top male players in 2002, 2010, and 2014, prior to the league opting out in 2018 and withdrawing again four years subsequently due to worries related to COVID-19.
Crosby, who, alongside defenseman Drew Doughty, seeks a third first-place finish, is eager for the game to commence.
Crosby commented, “We’ve undergone productive training sessions and built up some excitement. Now it’s simply time to begin.”
Following their match against Czechia, Canada will shift focus to confront Switzerland on Friday in the latter part of a consecutive game schedule. The dominant hockey nation concludes its Group A contests on Sunday versus France.
Cooper indicated that regardless of which goaltender begins the competition, there is “a strong likelihood” that one of the remaining two will be chosen to play against the Swiss team.
Should Binnington indeed be given the initial role, his record in high-stakes matches is self-evident.
Reinhart stated, “He has prior experience and has delivered. When the contests become most intense and challenging—with the highest stakes—he rises to the occasion and executes.”
Cooper further noted, “He possesses an undeniable presence. In the most favorable sense imaginable.”
