It has been a joy to watch NHL players compete in the Winter Olympics. We are now past the preliminary round, so we are officially on the road to the gold medal. The playoffs begin Tuesday, Feb. 17, with the gold-medal game happening on Sunday, Feb. 22.
The St. Louis Blues have five players participating in the Olympics. While the regular season may be paused, it still seems appropriate to identify the team’s standout Olympians from the last week. Who has performed on the international stage? What could it mean for the Blues moving forward?
Standout #3 – Pius Suter (Switzerland)
Despite a season marred by injury, Pius Suter has had a strong performance in the preliminary round. In three games, Suter has scored two goals. His first was the only Swiss goal in a blowout loss to Canada last Friday, but his second came in a back-and-forth contest in a Sunday win over Czechia.
Suter’s performance is modest compared to some other players, but he is at least noticeable on the ice. He is a player known for his goal-scoring potential, and he is showing that on the international stage. Suter and Switzerland will begin the playoffs on Tuesday against Italy. It will be interesting to see if he can find some more goals and help the Swiss advance in the playoffs.
With the Blues being sellers at this season’s deadline, Suter’s Olympic performance could earn him some extra interest from contending teams. A team that acquires him would get the rest of this season plus the 2026-27 season. He may not be at the top of the Blues’ trade list, but it is at least something to think about as we get closer to the deadline.
Standout #2 – Jordan Binnington (Canada)
Jordan Binnington came into the Olympics as the most important Blue in the tournament. His performance could have a major impact on his value at the trade deadline. What did the preliminary round have in store for the 2019 Stanley Cup champion and 4 Nations Face-Off winner?
Related: What the Blues’ Recent Trade With the Devils Says About Their Direction
Binnington started the tournament with a 26-save shutout last Thursday. His next start, Sunday against France, got overshadowed by Canada’s 10-goal outburst, but he still had a solid outing, stopping 12 of 14 French shots.
Binnington has proven the doubters wrong so far, but now the true test begins. Can he perform on the big stage once again? Can he help Canada win gold a year after helping them win the 4 Nations Face-Off?
We have discussed this before, but Binnington is the Blues’ best asset at the deadline. Success at the Olympics will only increase his value.
Binnington and Canada have a bye in the first round of the playoffs and will play their first game on Wednesday.
Standout #1 – Dalibor Dvorsky (Slovakia)
Dalibor Dvorsky is no stranger to the Olympic stage. After a strong performance in the 2022 U18 World Championship, he is continuing to help Slovakia.
The 2023 first-round pick has recorded four points in three games, including two goals. He scored the game-winning goal in Slovakia’s tournament-opening win last Wednesday. His second goal, a final-minute tally in a 5-3 loss on Saturday, actually helped Slovakia clinch Group B and earn a playoff bye.
Dvorsky now has 33 goals in 39 international games for Slovakia. Can he continue that trend as Slovakia looks to inch closer towards the gold medal? The path will not be easy, especially with Canada and the United States likely in their way, but it will be interesting to watch.
For the Blues, seeing a key member of their youth movement shine on the international stage gives increased hope for the future. Dvorsky’s future gets brighter by the moment, and Blues fans should be excited to see what the young forward does when he puts the Blue Note logo back on again.
Looking Ahead
Now that the playoffs are beginning, it will be interesting to see if a Blues player can help their team in a crucial moment. This is a great opportunity for all players who want to engrave their names in Olympic history. How cool would it be to see one of those names be a Blue?
Please check back in with The Hockey Writers throughout the remainder of the tournament for more Olympic coverage.
