Jordan Binnington didn’t exactly hide his feelings after getting yanked early in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night. Jim Montgomery made the call after the Ducks scored twice on their first few shots, summoning Joel Hofer in an attempt to halt the slide. Montgomery was visibly annoyed after reviewing the Mintyukov goal, and Binnington looked just as fired up as he left the ice, appearing to bark something back at his coach before disappearing down the tunnel.
The moment instantly drew comparisons to Patrick Roy’s infamous “I’m done” exit in Montreal. And in today’s NHL rumor ecosystem, it didn’t take long for the clip to fuel speculation that this incident could push Binnington back into trade-talk territory. He’s an emotional, polarizing goalie already linked to trade speculation. Elliotte Friedman suggested any deal would require his OK, and if he’s choked at the coach for making a fool of him (at least in his eyes), maybe he’s open to other possibilities.
If nothing else, scenes like this don’t exactly calm the trade waters.
But if anyone is thinking this drama makes him a fit for a seemingly desperate team like the Edmonton Oilers, this situation should tell the Oilers all they need to know.
Oilers Should Stay Away From Binnington
Binnington’s performance in the game — and more importantly, his reaction — should tell Edmonton everything it needs to know about whether chasing him as a goaltending upgrade is a smart option. Yes, he’s competitive. Yes, he’s fiery. But the Oilers don’t need volatile. They need steady, which Binnington is not.
He got upset after two bad goals. He’s been letting in several this season. Sure, Stuart Skinner has had his ups and downs, but Edmonton’s problem is consistency, and Binnington doesn’t bring that.
Jordan Binnington Blues Toff trade market
To Montgomery and Binnington’s credit, both downplayed the incident afterward. “He walked off the ice, he said ‘I love you,’ I said ‘I love you, too,’” Montgomery explained. “We apologized, we moved on. It’s over and done with.” Perhaps this will all blow over in St. Louis. For the Oilers, however, this should be a warning sign. Binnington is an expensive powder keg, ready to blow at any moment. In Edmonton, where the pressure is incredibly tense because the stakes are so high, going after Binnington could be a savvy move or a total disaster. The Oilers can’t afford the latter.
Despite what Montgomery said, trade talk will flare up again; it’s inevitable. So too, fans and analysts will link the Oilers. However, after Monday’s display, I don’t expect Edmonton to be the team that bites.
Next: Oilers Fear Klingberg Problem Could Resurface in Potential Goalie Trade
