BREAKING NEWS: Blues GM Doug Armstrong warns teams eyeing RFA goalie Joel Hofer: ‘You’re not going to get him’…….. veiw more

BREAKING: Blues GM Doug Armstrong Warns: “You’re Not Going to Get Him” — Teams Eyeing RFA Goalie Joel Hofer

St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong has sent a clear message during the offseason scramble: any team targeting restricted free agent goaltender Joel Hofer will come up short. Armstrong’s bold statement underscores the organization’s intention to secure their rising star.

Hofer’s Emergence and RFA Status

• At 24, Hofer boasted a 2.64 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage across 29 NHL appearances last season, confirming his status as a dependable backup behind Jordan Binnington
• The goaltender now enters restricted free agency, making him eligible for offer sheets—an increasingly popular strategy among savvy GMs .

Armstrong’s Firm Stance: “You’re Not Going to Get Him”

• Across recent press interactions, Armstrong has emphatically cautioned rival teams, declaring: “You’re not going to get him.” That statement highlights both Hofer’s value and the Blues’ readiness to defend his roster spot and contract rights.
• This confidence stems not only from Hofer’s performance but also from the Blues’ improved financial flexibility, including experience leveraging offer sheets to land Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg

Community Reaction: Hofer as Undeniable Core

Reddit fans have rallied behind Hofer’s rising profile, describing him as indispensable:

“Hofer is an absolute stud and letting him go would be a mistake imo”

“If you are Doug Armstrong … build around a core, … Goaltender: Hofer, Binnington*” (*with Binnington still in the mix)

Such sentiment reflects strong supporter confidence in Hofer’s future, potentially even as the Blues’ go-to starter.

Why the Blues Won’t Back Down

1. Team Control: As an RFA, Hofer fits within the Blues’ strategic cap planning. They can match any offer sheet while preserving cap flexibility for other areas

2. Succession Planning: With Binnington under contract through 2026–27, pairing him with a ready Hofer gives the Blues one of the league’s most stable goalie tandems .

3. Emerging Goalie Talent Pipeline: Armstrong’s vision includes continually drafting and developing goaltenders—Hofer being the first step toward creating a “goalie factory” in St. Louis .

What Comes Next

• Hofer negotiations: The Blues are expected to finalize a one‑ to three‑year bridge deal for Hofer, in line with comparatives like Sam Montembeault’s $3.15M AAV deal
• Competitive dynamics: Rivals like Edmonton may consider targeting him with an offer sheet—partly in retaliation—but Armstrong’s warning sets a heavy deterrent tone
• Future returns: With Binnington aging into his 30s, Hofer is positioned to gradually step into a co‑starting or even lead role.

Final Take

Doug Armstrong’s declaration—“You’re not going to get him”—is more than locker-room bravado. It signals the Blues’ frontend strategy to firmly entrench Joel Hofer in their goaltending hierarchy. Combining strong on-ice performance, financial savvy, and fan backing, St. Louis is staking its claim: Hofer is foundational to the franchise’s next chapter.

If you’d like more details on contract specifics, potential offer-sheet suitors, or Hofer’s season stats, just say the word!