Team Canada under heavy scrutiny for a controversial roster choice
Photo credit: Edit from La Poche Bleue
Team Canada is facing quite a bit of criticism on social media after their selection of Jordan Binnington was announced, with many saying it was the wrong choice.
The goalie lineup that will represent Canada at the upcoming 2026 edition of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has been shuffled with the return of Jordan Binnington, who will join newcomers Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper.
This results in the removal of both Adin Hill and Samuel Montembeault, as they played alongside Binnington during the 4 Nations Face-Off.
What Jordan Binnington did for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off
This will mark the fifth Olympic Games appearance for Binnington. He helped Team Canada win the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off by recording a 3-1-0 record, including a 31-save victory in a 3-2 overtime win over the United States in the final.
Although Doug Armstrong, from Hockey Canada, claimed Binnington's roster status was always a sure thing, Binnington himself states that this particular season has not been what he expected.
Currently, he is sporting a 7-9-6 record, 3.44 GAA, and .870 save percentage, all of which pale in comparison to his career standards, which include a 2.82 GAA and .905 SP.
However, he remains the Blues' leader in wins (180) and appearances (359) in team history.
Why there is backlash against selecting Jordan Binnington
There has been significant internet backlash against this decision by Team Canada, with many supporters suggesting that his current form makes him a poor choice.
Thompson, born in Calgary, is having a strong season with the Washington Capitals, registering a record of 15-10-3 with a GAA of 2.33, a save percentage of .915, and two shutouts in the first 28 games, which makes him one of the best in the league.
Kuemper, aged 35, is presently 10-6-6 with a GAA of 2.19 and a save percentage of .917 with the Los Angeles Kings and is also a winner of the 2022 Stanley Cup with Colorado.
Other hopefuls that were vying for a spot on the roster were Hill, Montembeault, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Scott Wedgewood, but Armstrong stated that Canada's goalie selection ended up being one of the easier decisions on the roster.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 372 ANSWERS Team Canada under heavy scrutiny for a controversial roster choice Was selecting Jordan Binnington the wrong choice? | ||
| Yes | 235 | 63.2 % |
| No | 137 | 36.8 % |
| List of polls | ||