Signing Autographs to Signing with the Capitals: What Logan Thompson Can Bring To Washington

The Washington Capitals recently acquired goaltender Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights for two third round draft picks (one this year, one next year).

Sorry Vegas fans, we know you’re not happy about this trade, but this was an awesome move for the Capitals. Hopefully it wasn’t too awkward when Thompson found out he was traded just before signing autographs for mainly Golden Knights fans at the draft. 

Thompson’s History with Vegas

As an undrafted goalie, Thompson has only ever played for the Vegas Golden Knights. His first game was in the 2020-21 season, though he played just 8:15 of a single game. His first real season wasn’t until the following year, where he played 19 games, 10 of which he won. He had just a dandy little save percentage at .914 over the year. 

Thompson maintained steady numbers despite an increased game load in the following seasons. In 2022-23, he played 37 games followed by 46 games this past season. His save percentage remained high at .908 and his GAA has hovered around 2.6-2.7. Thompson has had 4 regular season shutouts and was even selected for the All-Star Game in 2023.

Standing tall at 6’4 and 204-pounds, the Canadian goalie got his first taste of the playoffs this year. Though Vegas lost to the Dallas Stars this year, Thompson recorded a playoff record of 2-2, GAA 2.35 and SV% of .921. 

Thompson is also a decent puck-handler, getting 3 assists this past season. It’s always fun when goalies get assists, and generally a good sign. 

Sometimes, with tall goalies, they rely on their size with good positioning and just ‘hope’ the puck will bounce off them. This doesn’t seem to be the case with Thompson. From some of his highlights with Vegas, he seems to track the puck well and use his flexibility and athleticism to make critical saves. 

Thompson’s Back-Up Duties For The Capitals

On paper, Thompson checks all the boxes and the 27-year-old is a total steal with a cap hit of $766,667. 

Talk about some MacLellan Magic. This sounds like a phenomenal backup for Charlie Lindgren this year (who, by the way, is also a total steal in terms of expenses). 

I don’t want to jinx anything, but I’m cautiously optimistic that this season the Capitals will have an iron wall in net between Lindgren and Thompson. 

Thompson is also not a total stranger to the Capitals organization. He played Capitals’ ECHL affiliate South Carolina Stingrays while under contract with AHL affiliate Hershey Bears. Hopefully some familiarity, even if minimal, will help his transition to Washington.

What This Means for Hunter Shepard and Clay Stevenson

MacLellan made some vague comments about how “we’re going to have to have four goalies”, which could genuinely be his plan or could just be to deter other GMs circling Hershey Bears’ goalies Shepard and Stevenson. However, he did also mention that he expects both Shepard and Stevenson to play NHL games this year. 

We may just have to wait and see, but at least Caps fans can find some comfort in knowing that there are now solid options for the goaltending situation.