Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson. Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Why Capitals should prioritize re-signing goalie Logan Thompson

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 1:51 PM ET

The Washington Capitals (30-10-5) are the hottest team in the NHL right now, a far cry from the scrappy bunch they were just a year ago.

A revamped roster has translated to more scoring and improved defense, particularly in goal.

Washington's 2023-24 backup goaltender, Charlie Lindgren, remained after his backup, Darcy Kuemper, was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in the offseason. But his new goalie partner, Logan Thompson, has drawn much-deserved attention this year.

Both are expected to become free agents after this season and according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the team will only be able to afford one of them going into 2025-26.

Lindgren may have slight seniority, but Washington should prioritize bringing back Thompson, and his numbers prove it.

The 27-year-old ranks in the top three among all league goalies in five major categories so far this year (h/t Sportlogiq), leading outright in two of them.

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He logged his 20th win of the season in his 25th start for Washington, tying a team record set by 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Braden Holtby for the fewest starts needed to reach that mark (2015-16 season).

Thompson has pitched two consecutive shutouts in his last two games, winning four out of his last five decisions, with the only blemish being a shoot-out loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

Speaking of Canada, it's a travesty that Thompson was not selected to guard Team Canada's net for the Four Nations Face-Off in February. Head coach Jon Cooper (also the Tampa Bay Lightning's bench boss) opted instead for Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues), Sam Montembeault (Montreal) and Thompson's former backup in Las Vegas, Adin Hill.

On the other hand, Lindgren has not played poorly by any means, but his age (31) and 10-8-2 record before suffering an injury on Jan. 10 don't necessarily boost his case.

He was a pleasant surprise for Washington in a transition year and is now more than a serviceable backup for what could be a lengthy title run in the spring.

The time to move on and sign the goalie of the future is now, but reports indicate the team won't decide until after the season ends.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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