By The Associated Press’s Stephen Whyno
With a new deal that gives the late-blooming goalie a sizable raise, Logan Thompson is making the most of his fantastic start with the Washington Capitals.
On Monday, Thompson agreed to a six-year contract worth $35.1 million with the NHL-leading Capitals. When the wage cap goes into effect next season and lasts until 2030–31, he will be counted against $5.85 million.
General manager Chris Patrick announced the deal Monday, saying, “We are happy to sign Logan to a multi-year contract.” This season and since joining the NHL, Logan has shown to be one of the best goaltenders in the league. We are sure that this addition will improve one of our team’s most important positions because of his stature and remarkable athleticism, especially as he approaches his prime.
Since joining Washington in a trade from Vegas last summer, Thompson has been a steal in the last season of a contract that pays him less than $800,000 a year. With a 2.09 goals-against average and a.925 save percentage, he is ranked second in the league and has won 22 of his 26 starts.
Defenseman John Carlson recently remarked, “He’s been fantastic all year.” He is, in my opinion, at his finest during pivotal moments, and I believe that to be his strength.
Despite earning less than $2 million a year together, Thompson and Charlie Lindgren have established themselves as one of hockey’s top goaltender duos. The most important question is if the Capitals can sign Lindgren to a long-term contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, given that the cap is anticipated to rise significantly.
Getting a deal done with Thompson is a significant win for Patrick, who took over day-to-day responsibilities from longstanding general manager Brian MacLellan last July. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun is another prospective free agency.
It’s also advantageous for Thompson, who played a season with the team’s ECHL affiliate in South Carolina prior to agreeing to his first NHL deal with the Golden Knights after attending Washington’s development camp in 2018. Prior to an injury that ended his career and prevented him from playing in Vegas’ Stanley Cup run, Thompson was named an All-Star in 2022–2023.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Washington, defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) and goalie Logan Thompson (48) of the Washington Capitals celebrate following an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks. (Photo by Nick Wass/AP)
Adin Hill, who shared the net with Thompson in the 23–24 game, led the team to its first championship. Thompson’s bet paid off when he requested a trade: The only player who has made more stops than anticipated is Connor Hellebuyck of Winnipeg, which illustrates how well he has been denying strong scoring opportunities.
Following a shutout victory earlier this month, Thompson remarked, “I feel good.” Nothing feels particularly different. I believe that Chucky and I have been in a good groove for the entire year. He has been excellent. That’s exactly how I feel.
https://apnews.com/hub/nhl is the AP NHL.
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