It would have been a perplexing thought to many if they were told ahead of the season that the Washington Capitals were the NHL’s best team and Logan Thompson was one of its top goaltenders past the halfway point.
But both of those statements are a reality and the Capitals have reportedly signed Thompson to a six-year contract extension with $5.85 AAV.
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The Capitals have signed Logan Thompson to a 6-year, $5.85M AAV contract extension pic.twitter.com/etonCKXAZw
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 27, 2025
Thompson was set to become an unrestricted free agent in the coming offseason, which put pressure on Capitals management to decide how to approach their goaltending situation since counterpart Charlie Lindgren’s contract is also expiring.
The undrafted netminder has certainly paid his dues after working his way up through Vegas’ farm system and earning a three-year contract for the league minimum before getting traded to Washington.
Earning $767,000 per season on his ongoing contract, he is making below the current league minimum.
Thompson had requested the trade after having been replaced halfway through the last postseason. The Capitals sent two third-round picks in exchange for what looks to be a franchise goaltender.
Thompson’s unorthodox goaltending style, featuring a wide stance and active hands, has worked effectively throughout his first season in Washington.
As one of only five active NHL goalies to catch with his right hand, he’s consistently outperformed expectations, stopping 26.8 goals above expected this season, which is No. 2 overall in the NHL according to Moneypuck.com.
Over his four NHL seasons, Thompson has posted a .915 save percentage. In 2024-15, the 27-year-old Canadian is among the league’s best in save percentage (.925), earning him consideration as a Vezina Trophy candidate.
“I’m just having so much fun,” Thompson said to Sportsnet. “I think we all were a bit surprised with how good and strong our team has been to not have one guy represent their nation, so I think that fuels us as a whole to keep this thing going.”
Despite the sparkling season Thompson has put together, he was not selected to represent Team Canada in February’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
“They never reached out to me and that didn’t upset me,” Thompson said. “It didn’t surprise me when I was left off the team. If there was to be an injury, I know I probably won’t get that call, and that’s OK.
“They’ve got their guys, and I just hope that Canada goes out there and wins it all.”
In the meantime, with his job security now in place, Thompson looks to continue leading the Capitals atop the Metropolitan Division with 71 points. They pivot to the Calgary Flames on the road on Tuesday evening.
More NHL:
Knights Star Alex Pietrangelo Withdraws From 2025 4 Nations Face-Off
Blue Jackets, Provorov Begin Extension Talks Amid Trade Uncertainty: Report
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