{"id":447162,"date":"2026-02-05T15:11:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/447162\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T15:11:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:11:17","slug":"3-st-louis-blues-head-to-the-olympics-with-more-on-the-line-than-gold-the-hockey-writers-st-louis-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/447162\/","title":{"rendered":"3 St. Louis Blues Head to the Olympics With More on the Line Than Gold – The Hockey Writers – St Louis Blues"},"content":{"rendered":"

The St. Louis Blues are sending five players<\/a> to the Winter Olympics in Italy. In addition, four staff members will be representing the Blue Note. It is an honor for both the individuals and the organization. All will aim to perform to the best of their ability and bring home gold for their respective countries. Among the multiple Blues at the Olympics, three should get a little extra attention in Italy.<\/p>\n

Jordan Binnington<\/p>\n

The most obvious name to start with is goaltender Jordan Binnington<\/a>. There is already significant focus on him heading into the tournament, and for good reason. He has built a reputation as a goaltender who can thrive in high-pressure moments. His playoff heroics during the Blues\u2019 2019 Stanley Cup run<\/a> remain one of the most iconic stretches in franchise history. More recently, he helped Team Canada capture the 4 Nations Face-Off championship last season, further reinforcing his reputation as a big-game performer.<\/p>\n

\"JordanJordan Binnington #50 of the St. Louis Blues hoists the Stanley Cup (Photo by Dave Sandford\/NHLI via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

However, Binnington\u2019s Olympic performance carries additional significance this year because of the Blues\u2019 current situation. St. Louis is widely expected to be a seller at the upcoming trade deadline, and Binnington is arguably the team\u2019s most valuable trade asset<\/a>. He has an additional year remaining on his contract, which increases his appeal to contending teams looking for stability in net beyond just a playoff rental.<\/p>\n

There is, however, some uncertainty surrounding his value. Statistically, Binnington\u2019s numbers in recent seasons have not matched the elite level he showed during the Stanley Cup run. He has also gradually lost the firm hold on the starting role, with Joel Hofer earning more opportunities and showing strong potential as the franchise\u2019s future in net. <\/p>\n

Despite that, NHL front offices know Binnington\u2019s track record in pressure situations. If he delivers another standout international performance, especially if he helps Canada win gold, it would serve as a powerful reminder of what he can offer a contender. For the Blues\u2019 front office, that could translate directly into increased trade leverage and a stronger return package.<\/p>\n

Dalibor Dvorsky<\/p>\n

Another Blues player worth watching closely is Dalibor Dvorsky<\/a>, who has quickly emerged as one of the organization\u2019s most intriguing young forwards. After beginning the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), Dvorsky earned his call-up and has held his spot at the NHL level. The 2023 first-round pick has recorded nine goals in 46 games, including five on the power play. Those numbers align well with his pre-draft scouting profile, which highlighted his offensive-zone instincts and elite shooting ability.<\/p>\n

Related: Breaking Down the St. Louis Blues\u2019 Olympic 5<\/a><\/p>\n

Dvorsky\u2019s shot has already translated to NHL success, particularly with the man advantage. His confidence and offensive awareness continue to grow as he gains experience against top-level competition. For a 20-year-old player, simply maintaining NHL production while adjusting to the league is impressive.<\/p>\n

The Olympic stage presents another valuable step in his development. Dvorsky will be skating for Slovakia, a team that traditionally has fewer NHL players compared to powerhouses like Canada, the United States, or Sweden. That often means younger stars are asked to take on larger roles, which could translate into significant ice time and offensive responsibility for Dvorsky.<\/p>\n

This will not be his first experience representing Slovakia internationally. Dvorsky has already worn the national jersey seven times across various tournaments. One of his most impressive performances came during the 2022 U18 Division Championship, where he scored five goals and recorded 11 points in just five games. That dominant showing helped Slovakia capture the gold medal. At the same time, it showed Dvorsky could elevate his game on the big stage.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Since 2022, Dvorsky has continued to grow. He produced strong offensive numbers in both the Ontario Hockey League and the AHL<\/a> before making his mark in the NHL. The Olympics now provide another measuring stick. Competing against elite international talent will test his ability to create offense against structured defensive systems and experienced professional players.<\/p>\n

Perhaps just as important is what Dvorsky can learn from the experience. Playing alongside veteran Slovak players and competing in a short, high-stakes tournament environment can accelerate a young player\u2019s hockey IQ, decision-making, and mental toughness. Those are qualities that translate directly back to NHL play and could help him become a core offensive piece for the Blues moving forward.<\/p>\n

Philip Broberg<\/p>\n

Philip Broberg<\/a> is representing Team Sweden. While he may not carry the same trade-deadline storyline as Binnington or the prospect spotlight surrounding Dvorsky, Broberg is an important Blue to watch. Still young for an NHL defenseman, he has shown the tools that are turning him into a top-pair defenseman. His skating ability is elite for his size, allowing him to defend rush chances, close gaps quickly, and move the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone. In today\u2019s NHL, where speed and transition play are critical, Broberg projects as the type of modern two-way defenseman teams rely on on their top pair.<\/p>\n

\"PhilipPhilip Broberg, St. Louis Blues (Photo by Rick Ulreich\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Sweden\u2019s system could bring out the best in his game. The Swedish national team traditionally plays a structured, puck-possession style that emphasizes smart positioning and quick breakout transitions \u2014 areas where Broberg is already strong. Being surrounded by experienced Swedish defensemen could accelerate his development, while a strong performance could give him a significant confidence boost heading back into NHL play.<\/p>\n

From an organizational standpoint, the Blues have committed to Broberg with a long-term contract<\/a>. If he can continue to develop, this contract could be a steal for the Blues. A strong Olympic showing can further showcase his abilities and growth. With Sweden expected to be a contender for the gold, Broberg will likely face elite competition deep into the tournament, giving the Blues valuable insight into just how high his ceiling might be.<\/p>\n

Players Worth Watching<\/p>\n

As the Winter Olympics begin in Italy, the Blues will have plenty of reasons to watch closely. For some players, it is about national pride and chasing gold. At the same time, there are some players worth watching a little more closely due to the long-term effect on the organization.<\/p>\n

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