HIGHLIGHTS

  • Thompson signs six-year, $35.1 million extension with a $5.85M cap hit
  • The 27-year-old has posted a remarkable 22-2-3 record with a .925 save percentage this season
  • Read below for details on how Thompson went from undrafted free agent to one of NHL’s top goalies

Logan Thompson is getting paid.

The Washington Capitals locked up their star netminder to a massive six-year, $35.1 million contract extension on Monday, rewarding the goalie who has helped vault them to the top of the NHL standings.

Thompson’s new deal, which carries a $5.85 million annual cap hit, is quite the payday for a goalie who entered the league as an undrafted free agent.

Thompson’s Vezina-Worthy Campaign

The 27-year-old has been nothing short of spectacular in his first season with Washington, posting a 22-2-3 record with a sparkling .925 save percentage and 2.09 goals-against average.

The timing couldn’t be better for both sides. Thompson has been practically unbeatable lately, earning NHL First Star honors last week after going 3-0 with a ridiculous 0.33 GAA and .984 save percentage with two shutouts.

His stellar play between the pipes has the Capitals sitting pretty atop the NHL with a 33-11-5 record. Check out one of Thompson’s many incredible saves this season:

“We are pleased to sign Logan to a multiyear contract,” Capitals GM Chris Patrick said. “Logan has demonstrated that he is one of the top goaltenders in the NHL this season and since he joined the League”.

From Undrafted to NHL Star

What makes the story even better is how Thompson got here. The 26-year-old went undrafted out of the WHL, playing a season of Canadian university hockey at Brock University. He then signed with the Vegas Golden Knights as a free agent in 2020.

Despite enjoying success and an All-Star nod in Vegas, Thompson was hungry for an even bigger role. He requested a trade last offseason, and the Capitals pounced on the opportunity, acquiring him for just two third-round picks. Talk about a steal.

The undrafted netminder has certainly earned his massive raise through his consistent excellence. Among goalies with 125+ games played since 2021-22, Thompson ranks fifth in save percentage (.915) and win percentage (.605). This season, he’s taken his game to another level, leading the NHL in goals saved above expected with 27.30.

“He’s been fantastic all year,” defenseman John Carlson said recently. “In big moments, I think he’s at his best, and at big points of the game, I think that’s his strength”.

What’s Next for Caps?

With Thompson now locked up through 2031, the Capitals’ next priority may be trying to retain his goalie partner Charlie Lindgren, who can become a UFA this summer. The tandem has been one of the NHL’s best this season despite their combined cap hit being under $2 million.

Thompson will look to keep his hot streak going when the Capitals visit Calgary on Tuesday night. For now, though, he can celebrate securing the bag with a contract that keeps him in Washington for the long haul.