As we inch closer to the 2026-27 NHL season, there are multiple St. Louis Blues players who fans will be keeping an eye on. Can Dylan Holloway stay healthy for a full season? Can Mason McTavish rebound in his first season wearing the Blue Note? How do the younger members of the team look?
There is one player fans should keep an eye on this season. However, this is not someone who will be on the NHL team. He will likely be playing with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Springfield Thunderbirds. That player is goaltender Georgi Romanov.
Romanov’s Career So Far
2025-26 was Romanov’s first season in the Blues’ organization. In 28 AHL games, the Russian posted a 3.29 goals-against average (GAA) and a .896 save percentage (SV%). He turned it on during the Calder Cup Playoffs, posting a 1.84 GAA with a .939 SV%.
San Jose Sharks goaltender Georgi Romanov (Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
As a result of this strong performance, Romanov was given a two-year, two-way contract to return to the Blues’ organization. He is expected to be the Thunderbirds’ starter.
Romanov has played in the NHL. However, it was just 10 games with the San Jose Sharks over two seasons.
Why Fans Should Pay Attention to Romanov
The timing of Romanov’s development is especially important for St. Louis. Jordan Binnington is in the last year of his contract. Due to the direction of the roster and the emergence of Joel Hofer, Binnington is unlikely to re-sign with the team. In fact, Binnington could be traded at some point this season. This creates a significant opportunity for the organization to evaluate its internal options for the future.
If Binnington moves on after the season, the Blues will need to determine who can step into the backup role behind Hofer. While the team could look outside the organization for help, Romanov has a chance to put himself into that conversation with a strong AHL campaign.
A successful season would not guarantee Romanov an NHL job, but it would put him on the radar as a potential candidate for the 2027-28 roster. The Blues have shown a willingness to allow goaltenders to play if they show they are ready (Binnington, Hofer, Ville Husso). A reliable backup can be a major factor in an NHL team’s success, especially over the course of an 84-game schedule.
Romanov Could Earn NHL Time This Season
If Romanov plays well in the AHL this season, he could earn an early audition in the NHL. If Binnington is indeed traded during the season, the Blues may use the rest of the season to evaluate Romanov.
Romanov Could Be Part of Blues’ Future
At 26, Romanov is just entering the prime of his career. If he can perform well in the AHL again, he could be putting himself on track to earn a role in the Blues’ future. While it is easy to view him as a temporary placeholder if Binnington is moved, it is possible he could be the team’s backup answer for the next few seasons.
The Blues are always at their best when they have two goaltenders playing at strong levels. Just look at Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott in 2011-12, Binnington and Jake Allen in 2019-20, and Binnington and Hofer in 2025-26. As the organization builds towards being a contender again, they will want a reliable backup to complement Hofer. Romanov could be that.
So, when training camp starts up and the Blues hit the ice, while it will be easy to focus our attention on the stars of the team, do not forget to take a look between the pipes at Romanov. When the AHL season starts, check in on how he is playing. You may be looking at a future member of the team.
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