MONTREAL — Canada’s recent triumphs in major international hockey tournaments have been significantly attributed to the exceptional goaltending of Carey Price. However, with Price absent and iconic figures such as Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, and Patrick Roy no longer available, Canada’s goaltending situation appears to be at a low point compared to previous generations. As the Milan Olympics draw closer, the question of who will serve as Canada’s primary goaltender remains unresolved. The upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off presents a crucial opportunity for goalies Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, and Samuel Montembeault to change the narrative surrounding Canadian goaltending.
Binnington, who has been named the starting goalie for Canada’s tournament opener against Sweden, expressed enthusiasm about the competition. “There’s not much to be said, right?” he noted, emphasizing that action speaks louder than words. He conveyed excitement about being part of the team, adding that each of the three goalies is eager to contribute. “Canada’s got a lot of good goaltending, for sure, just like the rest of the world,” he remarked.
Currently, Binnington, Hill, and Montembeault sit at 30th, 35th, and 36th respectively in the NHL for save percentage this season. None are positioned in the top 20 for goals-against average either. Reflecting on the past eight years, only one Canadian player has secured the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s premier goaltender.
General manager Don Sweeney expressed confidence in all three selected goalies, citing past successes: Binnington’s Stanley Cup win with St. Louis in 2019 and Hill’s triumph with Vegas in 2023, alongside Montembeault’s experience under pressure in Montreal. Sweeney, who oversees the Boston Bruins and witnessed Binnington’s rise to prominence in that Stanley Cup final, reaffirmed his faith in the talent the team possesses.
Despite this confidence, some concerns linger regarding the choices made for the team, especially with Washington’s Logan Thompson being excluded, despite his superior performance behind Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck. Sweeney acknowledged the roster deadline in early December limited their ability to assess goaltender performance leading up to the tournament. Recent struggles from the selected goalies have put additional pressure on the team, leading Canada to hope that Binnington can recapture his form from five years prior.
Coach Jon Cooper highlighted Binnington’s significant experiences in high-pressure games, calling him a fierce competitor. “Jordan’s been our guy. That kid’s got fire in the belly, he’s a competitor, and we’re really confident in him,” Cooper stated. Binnington himself described his recent performances as “all right,” noting the effort he puts in daily to improve his game. Currently, he holds a record of 15-19-4, with a 2.89 save percentage and a .897 goals-against average this season.
As Binnington approaches the age of 32 during the 2026 Milan Olympics, he appears to be leading the race for the coveted goaltender spot, particularly since his NHL general manager, Doug Armstrong, is involved in the selection process. While he recognizes the legacy of great Canadian goalies, Binnington expresses his focus on being himself. “I’m just going to be me,” he remarked. “We’re proud to be hockey players from Canada and compete together to be successful.”
