Jordan Binnington Signs Huge Long-Term Deal With St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have agreed to an extension with goaltender Jordan Binnington, signing him to a six-year deal worth a total of $36 million. The netminderwas set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and there was plenty of talk the two sides were close to a deal, but St. Louis made it official on Thursday.

BREAKING NEWS! Jordan Binnington has signed a six-year, $36 million contract extension. https://t.co/DbTisvjCnz #stlblues pic.twitter.com/EiEB2gxl4y

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 12, 2021

Binnington’s two-year, $8.8MM would have expired at the end of the season, but the new deal is worth a good chunk more as Pierre LeBrun and Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic provide the full breakdown:

• 2021-22: $4MM salary + full no-trade clause
• 2022-23: $6MM salary + full no-trade clause
• 2023-24: $7.5MM salary + full no-trade clause
• 2024-25: $7.5MM salary + 18-team no-trade clause
• 2025-26: $6.5MM salary + 14-team no-trade clause
• 2026-27: $4.5MM salary + 10-team no-trade clause

Binnington, 27, has been a key piece to the Blues recent success. He quickly rose to fame after an outstanding showing in the team’s recent Stanley Cup in run in 2019, taking over the crease partway through the season and posting a .927 save percentage as a rookie. He finished second in the Calder Trophy voting.

That said, he’s not always been great. Last season, during his appearance in the NHL post-season bubble, he lost all five games he played with an .851 save percentage. Still, he’s been consistent enough a performer and the market for goaltenders this offseason isn’t wonderful. He’s an investment the team was willing to make.

Binnington Wanted to Keep a Competitive Team Around Him

When asked about comments the Blues GM made about Binnington not wanting to necessarily hit a home run but keep a competitive team around him, the goalie said it wasn’t all about money. He says it’s important to be a part of a good team and make sure this team remains a contender.

A six-year deal will take him through his age-33 season at a hefty cap hit.

Next: Eric Staal Linked to At Least Four Teams Heading into Trade Deadline