Controversial NHL goalie not returning to the St. Louis Blues next season

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Cooper Godin
June 19, 2023 (7:24 PM)

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While his fate was essentially sealed in January after the Blues signed Joel Hofer to a two-year, one-way contract, it was confirmed on Monday that St. Louis goaltender Thomas Greiss won't be returning to the organization in the Fall.

Greiss' agent Ray Petkau told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that his client won't be returning to the Blues next season because they have Joel Hofer under contract and expected to be the backup to Jordan Binnington. Greiss will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

"He won't be back in St. Louis. He enjoyed his time there as well. They have young Joel Hofer (22) who's ready and on a one-way next season. So Thomas won't be back in St. Louis. He would have actually very much welcomed a return. But for some of these players who have been around a while, they've seen that happen a few times. And he's extremely dependable. He's rarely injured. He would like to come back, he's not done. If we can find the right situation, he'll be back in the league next year as well." Petkau said according to Pierre LeBrun.

Greiss, 37, was caught up in some controversy back in 2021 that left him blacklisted by the German Ice Hockey Federation. He made a post on social media honouring conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh following his passing from lung cancer. Limbaugh was known for making outrageous claims on his radio shows over the years and since making that post on Instagram, Greiss has not been selected to represent Germany at any World Championship. His last appearance for his country came back in 2017.

The Fuessen native was signed by the Blues to a one-year contract on the opening day of free agency last July. Greiss went on to appear in 21 games for St. Louis where he sported a 7-10-0 record along with a 3.58 goals against average, an .896 save percentage and one shutout.

Source: Pierre LeBrun - The Athletic