STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - Canada loves its goalies. 

There has been no shortage of legendary Canadian goalies, including Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Carey Price and Marc-Andre Fleury.

To be the premier goalie of Team Canada is an honor that not many get to experience, and Jordan Binnington has propelled himself to that position at the 4 Nations Face-Off and 2025 IIHF World Championship.

Binnington burst onto the scene in 2019 when he came into the playoffs relatively unknown, but he helped the St. Louis Blues capture a Stanley Cup as their starting goalie.

Since then, Binnington has served as the team's primary starter in net. 

While the 31-year-old's consistency has been through some ups and downs throughout his career, one thing has remained a constant in his play: his ability to rise up in the biggest moments and games.

His regular-season stats may not be glamorous, including his 2.69 GAA and .900 SP in 56 games this year. Still, he has a rare ability to get better in the most high-pressure situations, whether that's in the playoffs or the 4-Nations Face Off, when Binnington's clutch play led Canada to a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Team USA to win the tournament.

"I think the top goalies are the goalies who embrace the challenge," Blues and Team Canada teammate Brayden Schenn said. "They want to become the guy and that they are not scared of big moments; that's when they elevate their games. I've been fortunate to see it for six or seven years now. He's just a gamer that wants to go out there and thrive in big moments."

Two traits about Binnington make him a dominant goaltender. He's calm yet extremely competitive.

When talking with Binnington, you could tell how calm and collected he is. He brings that steady presence to the Blues' dressing room.

However, watching him on the ice, his competitive and fiery energy is fully unleashed.

"He's calm and focused," Schenn said of Binnington. "When he's like that, guys understand that he's ready to play… He definitely has a competitive side at all times – he wants to win. That's the No. 1 thing. He's a guy that wants to be the guy.

"He has a competitive spirit where his teammates understand when you're playing in front of him, you have to raise your level because you know he's going to as well."

Binnington has positioned himself as Canada's most reliable goalie over the past couple of years. He has earned that highly coveted starting slot for the national team, something so many people could only dream of.

It's not only because of his high-level play but his commitment to play for Team Canada over the years has not gone unnoticed. 

"Obviously, 4 Nations, he was here (at the Worlds) last year, he's here this year. He's committed to playing in these tournaments, committed to his country," Canada and Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said. "He's answered the bell at every opportunity. He's absolutely (the premier Canadian goalie)." 

The star goaltender is here in Stockholm, Sweden, playing at the World Championship to represent Canada.

It's a decision he made based on his competitive drive and love for his home country.

"First and foremost, I looked in the mirror, and I felt like I still had some juice to give this year," Binnington said. "Playing for Canada is always an honor. It's just a great opportunity to play with some great players in a great city and go for gold."

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The 2026 Winter Olympics and which players might make the Canadian roster have been topics of discussion at the World Championship. 

When asked if the Olympics are on his mind, Binnington made it clear that his full focus is on the World Championship and ensuring Canada wins the gold medal.

"You gotta stay in the moment," said Binnington. "You can't think too far ahead. I'm just going to stick to the process and believe in myself, and I'm enjoying it along the way." 

There's a growing sentiment that Binnington will be Canada's starting goalie for the upcoming Olympics, and he certainly has continued to make a strong case to secure that spot. 

"Obviously there are a lot of good goalies all over the league," Scheen said. "There's going to be a competitive battle right to the end among the Canadian goalies. I'm obviously biased, and you know my opinion. I definitely think he (Binnington) should be Canada's guy."

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