As the St. Louis Blues prepare for their 2025-26 season opener against the Minnesota Wild, their goaltending depth is questioned. The recent waiver loss of promising goaltender Colten Ellis to the Buffalo Sabres adds strain to the organization’s goaltending.
Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer anchor the NHL tandem, but any long-term injury could disrupt the team’s balance and leave them vulnerable in the Central Division. The 25 year old Ellis leaves the organization after compiling a .922 save percentage in 42 AHL games last season, creates a noticeable void. General Manager Doug Armstrong acted swiftly, but the move highlights the Blues’ goaltending health, especially if misfortune strikes the top duo.
At the NHL level, Binnington remains the unquestioned starter. The 32-year-old, fresh off a resurgent campaign, brings veteran poise and a proven track record, and Olympic aspirations this season However, his age and history of minor ailments raise some red flags. As history has shown, goalies in their 30s often face increased injury risks, from strains to more serious issues like concussions or groin pulls that can sideline them for weeks.
At 25, Hofer offers youthful promise with 69 career NHL games and a .907 save percentage, but he's untested as a full-time starter. An injury to either could force the Blues into emergency mode, disrupting team rhythm in a division where points against teams like Dallas, Colorado, and Winnipeg will come at a premium.
Looking to the AHL options, it continues to amplify the vulnerability. Vadim Zherenko, 24, tops the chart with 86 AHL games and a .904 save percentage, but his lack of NHL experience means he's a wildcard in high-stakes scenarios. Will Cranley, 23, provides even less assurance, confined mostly to ECHL duty without upper-level pro reps.
The recent addition of Georgi Romanov, whose $775,000 deal and assignment to Springfield Thunderbirds could provide a lifeline the organization needs. While he is certainly not the next savior of the franchise, the 25-year-old Russian offers a bit of welcomed life to the depth chart.
In the MHL (Russia’s junior hockey league), he dominated in a backup role with a 1.88 GAA and .938 save percentage over 86 games, earning Goaltender of the Month honors.
His VHL (Russia’s second-tier pro league) stint was solid too: 2.58 GAA and .916 save percentage in 80 starts. While his North American adjustment with San Jose yielded middling results—a .904 AHL save percentage and .888 in 10 NHL games—the Blues' structured system under coach might unlock his 6-foot-5 athleticism.
Romanov's tools suggest upside: quick reflexes, strong rebound control potential, and a track record of stealing games. Should an injury arise, and Romanov adapts quickly, he could surpass Zherenko as the top call-up, providing insurance against health woes.
For now, let’s hope for a healthy season and to see a Blues team to climb the Central division in hopes to return once again to the postseason.