BREAKING NEWS: Blues GM Doug Armstrong warns teams eyeing RFA goalie Joel Hofer: ‘You’re not going to get him’…….. veiw more
St. Louis, MO* — In a firm and unapologetically direct message to rival NHL front offices, St. Louis Blues General Manager **Doug Armstrong** made it crystal clear that restricted free agent (RFA) goaltender **Joel Hofer** is *not* leaving the Gateway City.
Speaking to reporters early Monday morning during a media availability session ahead of the NHL Draft, Armstrong addressed swirling rumors that multiple teams were preparing offer sheets to lure away the 24-year-old netminder — one of the most promising young goalies in the league.
*”Let me be very clear,”* Armstrong said, his tone unwavering. *”Joel Hofer is a St. Louis Blue. We’ve invested in his development, and we believe he’s the future of our goaltending core. Any team thinking of putting in an offer sheet is wasting their time — you’re not going to get him.
The public warning comes after Hofer’s breakout 2024–25 season in which he posted a .918 save percentage and 2.42 GAA across 31 appearances while sharing duties with veteran Jordan Binnington. His calm presence, sharp lateral movement, and mental toughness made him a standout not only in St. Louis but across the league. Several insiders have pointed to Hofer as a potential full-time starter as early as next season.
Armstrong, known around the NHL for his no-nonsense approach to contract negotiations, confirmed that discussions with Hofer’s camp are ongoing and that the front office is confident a multi-year deal will be finalized before training camp.
“We’ve had constructive talks,”* Armstrong noted. *“There’s mutual respect, and Joel wants to be here. That’s what matters. The paperwork will take care of itself.
Hofer, originally drafted by the Blues in the fourth round (107th overall) in 2018, has steadily climbed through the ranks of the organization. After shining with the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL), he earned his NHL stripes through brief call-ups before landing a regular spot in the 2024 season. He has been praised by teammates for his work ethic, composure under pressure, and team-first mentality.
When asked about the possibility of being pursued by other teams, Hofer himself played it cool last week: *“That’s the business side of the game. I love it here in St. Louis. That’s where my focus is.
Despite the calm on Hofer’s side, Armstrong’s sharp rebuke signals that the Blues are ready to match any potential offer sheet — or possibly take things further with future negotiations that could involve long-term planning and a larger cap hit.
NHL analysts reacted swiftly on social media. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun posted, *“Doug Armstrong draws a line in the sand on Joel Hofer. The Blues clearly view him as untouchable.”* ESPN’s Emily Kaplan added, *“Teams beware — St. Louis won’t hesitate to protect their future starter.”
As for now, the message from St. Louis is resounding: Joel Hofer isn’t just a restricted free agent — he’s a core piece of the Blues’ future. And Doug Armstrong isn’t letting him go without a fight.
With negotiations ongoing and the NHL offseason heating up, all eyes remain on St. Louis — where the Blues’ front office has made one thing certain: **their net belongs to Joel Hofer, and they’
re not open to offers.