The Washington Capitals recently filled a significant gap in their roster by acquiring goalie Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights. This move follows the trade of goalie Darcy Kuemper to the Los Angeles Kings for forward Pierre-Luc Dubois, which left a vacancy in the Capitals’ goalie lineup alongside Charlie Lindgren. Former general manager Brian MacLellan addressed this issue during Day Two of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by trading for Thompson.
The complete deal involved sending Thompson to the Capitals in exchange for two third-round draft picks (one in 2024 and another in 2025). Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Vegas in July 2020, Thompson played parts of four seasons with the Golden Knights. During his tenure, he developed into a quality netminder, providing depth and competition at the position. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery now has the option to use Lindgren and Thompson in a 1A/1B goalie duo.
Logan Thompson’s Journey Before Vegas
Before joining the Golden Knights, Logan Thompson honed his skills with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He debuted with the Wheat Kings in the 2014-15 season, posting a 3-1-0 record, an .846 save percentage (SV%), and a 4.74 goals-against average (GAA) in four games. Over his time with the Wheat Kings, his stats improved significantly:
- 2015-16: 17-1-0, .898 SV%, and 2.63 GAA in 23 games
- 2016-17: 14-17-2, .908 SV%, 3.24 GAA, and one shutout in 40 games
- 2017-18: 29-22-2, .908 SV%, 3.41 GAA, and three shutouts in 55 games
After his WHL stint, Thompson spent a couple of seasons in the ECHL with the Adirondack Thunder and the South Carolina Stingrays. He joined the Golden Knights ahead of the 2020-21 NHL season.
Logan Thompson’s Tenure with the Golden Knights
Thompson started gaining significant NHL experience during the 2021-22 season, playing in 19 games with a 10-5-3 record, .914 SV%, and 2.68 GAA. He was the third goalie for the Golden Knights that season, sharing the crease with Robin Lehner and Laurent Brossoit.
In the 2022-23 season, with Lehner sidelined by hip surgery, Thompson saw more playing time amid a crowded crease that featured five goalies, including Brossoit, Adin Hill, Jonathan Quick, and Jiri Patera. Thompson played the most regular-season games, appearing in 37 matches with a 21-13-3 record, .915 SV%, and 2.65 GAA.
Last season, Thompson played 46 games for Vegas, recording a 25-14-5 record, .908 SV%, and 2.70 GAA, leading the team in appearances.
Internal Competition Between Thompson and Lindgren
The Capitals’ goalie situation will be an intriguing storyline under head coach Spencer Carbery, with Thompson and Charlie Lindgren competing for the starting role. Training camp competition often brings out the best in players, and the Capitals’ blue line will also see young defensemen like Vincent Iorio vying for roster spots. Carbery’s management of the goaltending situation will be crucial for the team’s success in the 2024-25 season.
Looking back, MacLellan’s decision to bring Thompson aboard appears to be a strategic move. While Lindgren had impressive moments last season, Thompson provides additional stability in net. If Thompson becomes the starter, Lindgren can serve as a reliable backup. The addition of Thompson strengthens the Capitals’ goaltending depth, ensuring a competitive and stable presence between the pipes. This development will be one of the many captivating storylines as the hockey season approaches.
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