Jon Cooper Chooses Jordan Binnington Over Logan Thompson for Canada’s Olympic Opener
The 2026 Winter Olympics prompted significant decisions for Team Canada, particularly regarding their goaltending lineup. Head coach Jon Cooper has chosen St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington to start the team’s opening game against Czechia, disregarding speculation about Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson. This choice comes despite Binnington’s poor performance in the current NHL season.
Goaltending Decision for Canada’s Olympic Opener
Jon Cooper confirmed that his decision to start Binnington was made almost a year ago, following Canada’s triumph in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year. In contrast, Thompson has been impressive, excelling for the Capitals during the same period.
Binnington’s Current Form
- Jordan Binnington (STL): 8 wins, 17 losses, 6 overtime losses, GAA 3.65, SV% .864.
- Logan Thompson (WSH): 19 wins, 16 losses, 4 overtime losses, GAA 2.45, SV% .912.
- Darcy Kuemper (LAK): 14 wins, 11 losses, 9 overtime losses, GAA 2.59, SV% .900.
Despite his struggle, Cooper expressed unwavering faith in Binnington, leading to a recent meeting where they reaffirmed their mutual confidence. Binnington rewarded this belief with a stellar performance, achieving a 26-save shutout against Czechia.
Future Expectations
As Canada continues its tournament, with upcoming matches against Switzerland and France, it seems Thompson may see significant action, particularly after the game against the Swiss. Cooper hinted that playing two goalies in the back-to-back games is a likely scenario, strengthening Canada’s chances in the competition.
The Olympics provide an opportunity for Thompson to demonstrate his capabilities, especially after being left out of the 4 Nations roster due to previous coaching dynamics. Regardless of the challenges, Thompson is prepared to fulfill any role necessary for Team Canada.
With the team poised for a strong showing, the focus remains on Binnington’s ability to maintain his form and Thompson’s potential Olympic debut. Each game holds significant weight in determining Canada’s journey in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
