Team Canada is gearing up for its Olympic opener on February 12, 2026, against Czechia, entering the tournament loaded with NHL star power and gold-medal expectations.
One key question remains unanswered: who will start in the net? Former NHL goaltender Marc-André Fleury recently weighed in on the debate, offering his perspective on Team Canada’s goalie situation.
Marc-André Fleury Discusses Team Canada’s Goalie Decision
Team Canada has named three goaltenders for the Olympics. Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings, and Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals. While no official starter has been announced, Binnington appears to be the frontrunner heading into the tournament.
Binnington’s international résumé works strongly in his favor. Between the Four Nations Face-Off and the World Championship last year, he started eight games for Canada, posting a 6-2 record with a stellar 1.81 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage.
However, his NHL numbers this season have fueled debate. Binnington has struggled with a .864 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average. It raised questions about whether Canada should look elsewhere to open the tournament.
Appearing on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, Fleury was asked about Canada’s goalie decision-making, drawing comparisons to the 2010 Olympics, when Martin Brodeur started the tournament before Roberto Luongo ultimately took over.
Fleury didn’t hesitate to give his opinion. “To me, it’s Binnington’s net,” Fleury said. “He was so good at the World Cup and he’s won a lot of big games. But I also think that maybe if Thompson is the second guy, you should still get a game, right? Because you want him to get some experience and you see down the road.”
To Marc-André Fleury it’s obviously Binnington’s net for Team Canada 🥅🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/AOrRpf6Bf5
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 6, 2026
Fleury added that while Canada should be prepared with options. “I still think Binnington Should start and plan on having him finish too,” he added.
Interestingly, betting markets haven’t fully aligned with Fleury’s view. According to previous odds from FanDuel, Logan Thompson was listed as the favorite to start Game 1 at -130, followed by Binnington at +180 and Kuemper at +550.
Thompson’s NHL play only adds to his case. He recorded a 2.45 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage with Washington this season, and previously helped Canada capture silver at the 2022 World Championship.
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With the Olympic opener against Czechia approaching, Team Canada’s starting goalie remains undecided. Binnington and Thompson appear to be the leading candidates. While Kuemper is expected to serve as depth behind them. For now, the final call rests with the coaching staff.
