The Capitals are moving quickly to lock down their new star in net. Recent talks with Logan Thompson’s representatives have picked up steam as Washington aims to sign him before next month’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Thompson has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The 27-year-old goalie has posted a remarkable 22-2-3 record in just 26 games.
His .925 save percentage ranks third among NHL goalies who’ve started at least 10 games this season. That’s pretty amazing for someone who’s making just $767,000 this year.
The price tag for keeping Thompson won’t be cheap. Industry experts suggest he could command between $5 million and $6 million per year on a long-term deal, similar to recent contracts signed by Mackenzie Blackwood and Joey Daccord.
It’s a huge jump from his current salary, but Thompson has earned it. He’s been the backbone of Washington’s surprising success this season, emerging as the clear starter ahead of Charlie Lindgren.
“Right now, you’ve got to see it for what it’s worth,” says TSN analyst Jamie McLennan. “The Caps traded for him. He’s delivered for them. They obviously like him. And he’s in the wheelhouse of his prime and getting better.”
Thompson recently showed just how valuable he is during an incredible seven-game stretch. He went 6-0-1 with a .955 save percentage, including back-to-back shutouts against Anaheim and Ottawa.
The numbers back up what fans are seeing on the ice. Advanced stats show Thompson is second only to Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck in goals saved above expected this season – and he’s done it in nine fewer games.
Washington acquired Thompson from Vegas during last year’s draft for two third-round picks. The move came after they traded Darcy Kuemper to Los Angeles in the Pierre-Luc Dubois deal.
The Capitals are also talking with Lindgren about an extension, but Thompson’s recent dominance has made him the priority. At three years younger and with more consistent NHL success, he’s clearly their goalie of the future.
If Washington doesn’t get a deal done soon, Thompson would easily be the top goalie available in free agency this summer, ahead of players like Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov.
“Goalies from 27-32 continue to get better with age,” McLennan notes. For the Capitals, locking up Thompson now could mean securing their net for years to come.
