Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced Wednesday that St. Louis Blues veterans Jordan Binnington and Colton Parayko have been selected to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. The selections were made by Team Canada’s management group, led by Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong.
Binnington Adds Another Milestone to His International Resume
For Binnington, 32, the Olympic nod marks another chapter in a career defined by big‑stage performances. The Blues’ all‑time leader in wins (180) and games played (359), the Owen Sound, Ontario native will be representing Canada for the fifth time.
His recent international form made the decision straightforward. Earlier this year, Binnington backstopped Canada to victory at the 2025 4 Nations Faceoff, going 3‑1‑0 and delivering a standout 31‑save effort in a 3–2 overtime win against Team USA in the championship game. He followed that with a 3‑1‑0 record at the 2025 World Championships, building on previous appearances at the 2024 Worlds and the 2013 U‑20 World Junior Championship.
Binnington enters the Olympics with a 7‑9‑6 record this season, along with a 3.44 goals‑against average and an .870 save percentage. While those numbers sit below his usual standard, his international résumé and big‑moment track record remain central to Canada’s confidence in him.
A Deep, Competitive Goaltending Trio
Canada’s crease will be one of the most competitive positions on the roster. Alongside Binnington, Darcy Kuemper (LAK) arrives with a 10‑6‑6 record, a 2.19 GAA, and a .917 save percentage, while Logan Thompson (WSH) brings a 15‑10‑3 mark, a 2.35 GAA, and a .915 save percentage. Both have delivered steady, efficient seasons, giving Canada a deep and experienced goaltending trio heading into Milano Cortina.
Parayko’s Steady Excellence Earns Olympic Call
Parayko, also 32, continues to add to one of the most quietly impressive careers in franchise history. The St. Albert, Alberta native has spent all 11 of his NHL seasons in St. Louis, ranking fifth in franchise history in games played (763) and fourth in points among Blues defensemen (306).
This will be Parayko’s fifth time wearing the Maple Leaf. He joined Binnington on Canada’s gold‑winning roster at the 2025 4 Nations Faceoff and has competed in three World Championships: 2024, where he was named one of Canada’s Top 3 Players; 2018, where he led all tournament defensemen in goals; and 2017, when he helped Canada earn silver.
Beyond the accolades, Parayko’s underlying numbers continue to reinforce his value. His 5‑on‑5 metrics this season include a 45.1 CF% and a 99.3 PDO, both slightly below his long‑term norms. But context matters: he’s absorbing a heavy 58.5% defensive‑zone start rate, well above his already‑demanding 55.4% career mark. Even with that workload, his career 48.5 CF% and 100.5 PDO show a defender who consistently suppresses chances, handles tough minutes, and drives play positively over time.
Armstrong’s Influence Felt on Both Sides
With Armstrong leading Team Canada’s management group, it’s no surprise that two of his most trusted Blues veterans will be central figures in Canada’s pursuit of Olympic gold. Both players bring championship pedigree, international experience, and a decade of NHL consistency to a roster built for high‑pressure moments.
Canada’s men’s hockey tournament begins Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the Canadians opening group play against Czechia on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 9:40 a.m. CT.