The Blues Goalie Situation

What happens now?

The Blues have too many goalies in the organization.

With the signing of Brian Elliott to a two year $3.9 million extension, the Blues have decided to trust the net-minding duties to him and Jaroslav Halak for the next two years.

Ben Bishop was hopeful for his chance to play for the Blues at some point this season but it looks like with the continued stellar play between the Jaro and Elliott, that he won't be getting a look unless one of those two goes down with an injury.

The writing is on the wall for Big Ben so-to-speak.

Not to mention the Blues also have another top young goalie prospect in Peoria named Jake Allen. I'm sure the Blues would like to see him grab some minutes in Peoria as well...

The other factor that has come into play is that Ben Bishop will become an Unrestricted Free Agent in July if the club elects to not play him for 15 NHL games (as well as at least 30 minutes during each of those games). If the Blues do not meet those requirements then Ben Bishop is not eligible for Restricted Free Agency and the Blues will lose his rights July 1.

It will be interesting to see if they decide to

A.) Trade Bishop

B.) Trade Halak or Elliot

C.) Send Elliott to the minors in favor for calling up Ben and getting him those games played for Restricted Free Agency qualification

D.) Wait until the offseason and see if he will re-sign with the Blues or potentially risk him walking on July 1 and not turning him into any assets.

I will support whatever management decision that Doug Armstrong and the Front Office decide to choose but it will be interesting what happens indeed.

Among the teams interested in Bishop (based solely on speculation and rumors):

Tampa Bay Lightning
Anaheim Ducks
New York Islanders
Edmonton Oilers
Buffalo Sabres