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Vegas Golden Knights fans attending the 2024 Draft were in for an unpleasant surprise. As the trade horn rang inside the Sphere, the announcer reported that the Washington Capitals had traded for Logan Thompson, to the dismay of Vegas fans. He was a solid goaltending option who occupied little cap space. And now, 7 months later, he’s inked a 6-year extension with the Capitals.

Thompson has signed a 6-year, $35.1 million contract extension with an AAV of $5.85 million, which still makes him a cost-effective signing. Speaking to the press, head coach Spencer Carbery discussed the team dynamics. He said, “That’s the best part, one of the best parts of having team success. All the guys on this team have laid it on the line for Logan, and he obviously appreciates that, and they appreciate what he’s done and the way that he’s played to help us win hockey games.”

Carbery was also appreciative of Thompson’s contributions to the team. “And you can go down the list of all the difficult circumstances. Just off the top of my head, I’m thinking of the game in Montreal when we weren’t great, and he’s bailing us out, making save after save, breakaways, and so you think about those, and it creates an attachment as a team and to individuals, and you know when you earn long-term deals like this, guys are happy for one another because you see the fruits of their labor pay off.”

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The Thompson trade was an important one for the Washington Capitals. The front office had just traded Darcy Kuemper and needed a new goaltender to add to their rotation. Thompson was therefore a valuable addition. But at the start of the season, most Capitals fans could not have predicted the impact he would have.

Logan Thompson’s stint with the Washington Capitals

Logan Thompson was full of excitement as he spoke to the media about his new deal. “Really happy to be here for many more years to come. Love my time here and just thankful for the opportunity that the Capitals gave me. I knew it was a big risk leaving Vegas and what they had going on over there, but I just wanted a different opportunity.” 

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He continued, “I didn’t really know where I was going to end up and couldn’t be more happy that I ended up with this organization and just really thankful for my time here. I think I am just having a lot of fun and not thinking; just going out there and playing has kind of been my new mindset this year, and it’s just been a lot of fun. I am enjoying every minute of it.” His teammates reacted jubilantly to the news of his contract extension.

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Logan Thompson has found a new lease of life in Washington, evident in his performances. During his last season at Vegas, Thompson had a 25-14-5 record with a 2.70 GAA, a .908 SV%, and one shutout in 46 games. In comparison, he’s posted a 22-2-3 record, a 2.09 GAA, a .925 SV%, and two shutouts in 27 games this season. With the Washington Capitals, it has taken him fewer games to post significantly better numbers.

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His dominant performances between the pipes have also put Thompson in contention for the Vezina trophy. His numbers are second only to Connor Hellebuyck, one of the top goaltending talents of his generation and current holder of the Vezina. Clearly Thompson is in good company.

The Washington Capitals are currently one of the most in-form and dominant team in the NHL. As they look to make a deep run in the playoffs and reclaim the Stanley Cup they won in 2018, it is clear that Thompson will continue to play an important role.

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Did Vegas Golden Knights make a huge mistake letting Logan Thompson go to the Capitals?

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