Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The buzz around the league is growing faster and faster. Regardless of the Stanley Cup Final still going, the other 30 teams are in offseason mode. One team that’s hit the ground running this week is the Washington Capitals. Turns out, things aren’t slowing down. Today’s Rumours swirl around them and the goaltending.
NHL Rumours
Rumour: Frank Seravelli from Daily Faceoff sits down with Capitals General Manager discussing Charlie Lindgren extension
It is a new day for the Washington Capitals. They’ve kickstarted the summer by making a splash trade. To give more stability and a presence down the middle of the ice, they’ve traded goaltender Darcy Kuemper for centre Pierre-Luc Dubois. It is a one for one trade.
On the surface the trade may seem puzzling. However, it gives the Capitals a centre to play with Alex Ovechkin and provides a boost offensively. Dubois had a down year for himself, as he only had 40 points. However, he can turn things around in Washington.
As for the Capitals, they get out from under the Kuemper contract and turn to goaltender Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren really seized the role during the year and outplayed Kuemper. Now, it appears that stellar play will see him earn a contract extension.
Lindgren Remaining a Capital
The latest NHL Rumours swirl around the goaltending for the Capitals but in a good way. General Manager Brian MacLellan talks about a possible extension for Lindgren. He went on to say that he is open to it and he is now the man in net.
You can make a case that without Lindgren, the Capitals may not have made the playoffs. Spencer Carbury certainly deserves every ounce of praise but so does Lindgren.
Lindgren went on to have a 2.67 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. He was without question the Capitals’ best goalie and delivered on all accounts. Also, his 10.8 goals saved above expected was 16th among all goalies. Lindgren was stellar in the high danger areas of the ice, finishing with an .834 save percentage. A contract extension for him would be great for him and the Capitals.
More must-reads: