NEWS WE HOPE FOR: Louis Blues lnk G goaltender Joel Hofer signed a two-year contract extension worth…….. See more 

Hofer, 24, has steadily climbed the organizational ranks since being drafted by the Blues in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. After strong showings with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL and several solid appearances with the Blues over the last two seasons, the young netminder has earned the trust of the front office.

“Joel has shown tremendous growth in both his skill and maturity,” said Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong. “He’s proven he can compete at the NHL level and gives us confidence in our goaltending tandem moving forward.”

In the 2024–25 season, Hofer appeared in 31 games, posting a 16–11–3 record, along with a .914 save percentage and 2.49 goals-against average. His consistency and composure, especially in high-pressure situations, have made him a fan favorite and a reliable backup — and potentially the future starter — behind veteran Jordan Binnington.

“I’m thrilled to be staying in St. Louis,” said Hofer following the announcement. “This organization has believed in me since day one. I’m ready to keep pushing forward and help this team win.”

The Blues’ decision to lock up Hofer early avoids the uncertainty of arbitration or free agency and keeps a valuable asset in the fold as they continue to retool and aim for another playoff run.

With Hofer secured and a promising group of young defensemen developing, the future of the Blues’ back end looks bright — and fans have every reason to be hopeful heading into next season.