Since making his first career start on Jan. 7 in Philadelphia - a 3-0 shutout, by the way - Binnington went on to post a 24-5-1 record and five shutouts in his rookie season. He led the NHL with a 1.89 goals-against average and ranked fourth overall with a .927 save-percentage (minimum of 25 games played) in his rookie season.
Binnington's 24 wins and five shutouts both set franchise records for rookie goaltenders.
The 25-year-old goalie was a third-round pick (No. 88 overall) of the Blues in 2011. He played minor-league hockey for the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, the AHL's Peoria Rivermen, Chicago Wolves, Providence Bruins and San Antonio Rampage. Until 2019, Binnington had appeared in just one game at the NHL level, playing 13 minutes in relief during the 2015-16 season.
"It's been a whirlwind over the last couple of years," Binnington told stlouisblues.com. "There were times where I didn't know what was going to happen with my career, so I just tried to put myself in the best position possible for if the opportunity came. Thankfully this season, I got an opportunity.
"I'm very honored," he added of being chosen as a finalist for the Calder Trophy. "It's been a long road and I'm very appreciative of the support around me and the people who have contributed to getting me where I am today."