Jon Cooper Chooses Jordan Binnington for Team Canada’s Olympic Opener Over Thompson
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Team Canada faces a pivotal decision regarding their starting goaltender. Head coach Jon Cooper has chosen to start Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues over Logan Thompson from the Washington Capitals for Canada’s opening match against Czechia on Thursday.
Jordan Binnington vs. Logan Thompson
Despite Binnington’s struggles this NHL season, which made him one of the league’s least effective goalies, Cooper’s decision appears rooted in past performance. Last year, Binnington played a crucial role in securing the 4 Nations Face-Off title for Canada.
Logan Thompson has been performing well with solid statistics, presenting a significant contrast to Binnington’s recent form. The decision to start Binnington was reportedly made long before Cooper’s public announcement, as he expressed confidence in Binnington during a meeting prior to the tournament.
Goaltender Performance Statistics
| Goaltender | Record | GAA | SV% | GSAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan Thompson (WSH) | 19-16-4 | 2.45 | .912 | 18.4 |
| Darcy Kuemper (LAK) | 14-11-9 | 2.59 | .900 | 2.1 |
| Jordan Binnington (STL) | 8-17-6 | 3.65 | .864 | -24.9 |
Upcoming Matches for Team Canada
Following the match against Czechia, Canada will take on Switzerland on Friday. Given Cooper’s statements, Thompson may receive the nod for this second game. He has indicated readiness for any role, even fulfilling auxiliary responsibilities if necessary.
Team Canada’s chances will depend significantly on Binnington’s ability to perform under pressure. If Binnington replicates his Olympic performance against Czechia, Thompson’s involvement might be limited to just one game unless Team Canada encounters unexpected challenges during the tournament.
With their final group game set against France on Sunday, both goalies will need to stay prepared for potential opportunities as the Olympics unfold.
