In Net, the Blues Can’t Afford to Miss on Hofer

The St. Louis Blues are entering a pivotal offseason—one that demands clarity in several areas. But few questions loom larger or more quietly than the one forming in goal. With Jordan Binnington locked in and Joel Hofer currently a restricted free agent, the team has a chance to solidify one of the most cost-effective tandems in the league. But if they misplay it, the Blues’ goaltending depth could collapse quickly.

A Cap-Efficient Duo — If It Stays Intact

Hofer’s emergence as a calm, reliable NHL backup was a bright spot in 2024–25. In 26 appearances, he provided stability when Binnington needed rest and didn’t look out of place in high-pressure moments. His RFA status gives St. Louis some leverage, but the window to sign him to a team-friendly bridge deal—ideally two years at $1.6M–$1.8M AAV—is narrow.

Locking up Hofer now gives the Blues security. Letting this linger—or worse, losing him—could undo years of careful succession planning.

Zherenko Rumored to Be Gone, Ellis Steps Up—But Not Yet

Vadim Zherenko was once viewed as a possible NHL option, but with rumors pointing to a return to Russia, the Blues are left with just Colten Ellis and Will Cranley behind their NHL tandem.

Fortunately, Ellis had a breakout 2024–25 season in the AHL. He stole the No. 1 job in Springfield, posting a .922 save percentage, a 2.63 goals-against average, and three shutouts in 42 games. He faced over 1,250 shots and won 22 games in his first full AHL season.

Still, relying on Ellis as Binnington’s full-time backup next season would be a risky leap. He deserves a larger role in the organization, but thrusting him into NHL duty prematurely—especially without Hofer in the mix—creates unnecessary pressure and risk.

The Free Agent Market Isn’t the Answer

If the Blues were to move on from Hofer or fail to re-sign him, they would likely have to dip into the free agent goalie market. That’s not a pretty picture.

Veterans like Cal Petersen, Robin Lehner, Ville Husso, Jake Allen, Vitek Vanecek, and even Alexander Georgiev could be available. But all come with question marks—declining performance, recent injuries, inconsistency, or expensive contracts. None are ideal fits for a team trying to stay young, cost-conscious, and competitive.

In contrast, a future tandem of Hofer and Ellis offers long-term upside, internal development, and cost control. That’s the kind of strategic continuity smart teams aim to build around.

The Contract Comparison: Hofer’s Ideal Deal

At 24, Hofer has 67 NHL games under his belt and 97 in the AHL. His poised, positionally sound game earned trust from the Blues’ staff all season.

Comparable recent deals help frame his value:

• Akira Schmid (Devils): 2 years, $875k AAV after 43 NHL games.
• Daniil Tarasov (Blue Jackets): 3 years, $1.05M AAV after just 19 NHL games.
• Filip Gustavsson (Wild): 3 years, $3.75M AAV after a breakout season.

Hofer is more proven than Tarasov but hasn’t had a true breakout like Gustavsson. He slots into a middle tier, similar to Schmid—worthy of a raise, but not long-term starter money yet. A two-year bridge deal in the $1.6M–$1.8M AAV range is fair for both sides and keeps future flexibility intact.

The Blues want to move beyond their retool and return to playoff contention. That vision requires stability in net—and Hofer is part of that foundation.

Ellis is progressing well and could be part of the long-term solution, but leaning on him now would be premature. And the free agent market won’t solve this quietly growing problem.

Sign Hofer, insulate Ellis in the AHL for one more season, and retain one of the best bang-for-your-buck tandems in the NHL. Miss here, and the goalie plan starts to unravel.

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