Jordan Binnington linked to Stanley Cup contender in juicy trade rumor

After a pretty stellar showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics for Team Canada, goaltender Jordan Binnington is back in St. Louis and is expected to get the start for tonight's game between his St. Louis Blues and the visiting Seattle Kraken.

Despite a truly terrible campaign with the Blues this season, it appears that Binnington's stock is up a bit on the trade market thanks to his performance with Team Canada. We're just over a week away from the NHL Trade Deadline and insider David Pagnotta reports today that the Stanley Cup contending Carolina Hurricanes could have some interest in Binnington on the trade market.

From Pagnotta on the DFO Rundown earlier today:

"On Jordan Binnington, there are some teams that make me wonder; I wonder about Carolina; yes they have Kotchetkov signed, they just signed Bussi; I don't get the sense that Freddy Andersen is their guy."

The 32 year old Binnington is in year five of a six year deal that pays him $6 million annually and the Hurricanes have more than enough cap space this season and next season to take on Binnington's full contract. My question is... why would they want to though?

Clearly they have something in the Pyotr Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi tandem and Freddie Andersen's contract expires this upcoming offseason. Why risk muddying things up with Binnington for this year and next year? Especially when Binnington has proven to be a downgrade on all three of the Hurricanes' goaltenders this season?

To me, this rumor comes off like Pagnotta is just trying to stir the pot a bit. To me, I could see Binnington moving to another playoff hopeful looking to add some depth and stability. I'm thinking the Utah Mammoth, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks or, of course, the Edmonton Oilers are more likely trade partners for the Blues when it comes to a Binnington trade.

Thoughts?