Binnington got benched almost out of necessity last year more than anything, so that Husso could get steady playing time. Husso is by all accounts the better of the two, and Binnington really had a rough start to the season (not that Husso was passing with flying colors either). But when Copley was traded and Binnington got back into the action, he did a lot better than I think most people realize.
He was effectively benched for the 5 weeks after the World Juniors last year, starting in only 1 game during that time, where he allowed only 1 goal on 27 shots (1.00/.963).
Prior to the WJCs: 17 games (7-6-3), 3.02 GAA, .905sv%
After the benching: 15 games (10-1-4), 2.40 GAA, .918sv%
That's a pretty sizeable improvement, and much more in line with what his expectations are. I don't think he's a bad goalie by any means, but with Fitzpatrick and Opilka on their way up, Binnington might just be a casualty of the numbers game. It's entirely possible that we give Binnington the backup reigns next year when Hutton's contract is up, and keep Husso and Fitzpatrick in the AHL and Opilka... somewhere. More likely though, Husso gets the backup role, and Fitzpatrick and Opilka go to work in the AHL.
It isn't that Binnington is bad, our other goalies just seem to be better. I will be especially interested to see how Opilka fares this year, and what he can do if he stays healthy. Last year was brutal for him, but hopefully with a strong summer and some luck in the injury department, he can get back to being what he was in his draft year.