Canada names Binnington starter for 4 Nations opener

Jordan Binnington will start between the pipes for Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off opener Wednesday against Sweden, head coach Jon Cooper told reporters Tuesday.

Adin Hill will dress as Canada's backup, Cooper said. That leaves Sam Montembeault as a healthy scratch.

Binnington has endured a down season with the St. Louis Blues, posting a 15-19-4 record, a .896 save percentage, and minus-0.49 goals saved above expected, per Evolving-Hockey.

The Richmond Hill, Ontario, native suited up for Canada at the 2024 World Championship, going 6-2-0 with a .885 save percentage.

Binnington owns a .906 save percentage in 319 career regular-season appearances. He led the Blues to the 2019 Stanley Cup, starting all 26 playoff games that year.

Goaltending is considered Canada's primary weakness in the tournament.