it’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the March 7 trade deadline and some big moves could be in the offing. Clubs have decisions to make the will not only affect the current season, but the next ones as well. We’ve already seen some trades and signings this season. However, more could be coming soon. One team that may have to make a roster decision is the Washington Capitals. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one particular position they will have to address soon.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Washington Capitals Have to Deal with Goalie Situation
Rumour: Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic said that the Capitals have a decision to make about goalies Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren. Both goalies are unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, but Washington would like to keep the duo.
Interesting situation with first-place Caps, both their goalies pending UFAs in Logan Thompson/Charlie Lindgren. There have been talks with each camp but nothing sounds imminent at the moment. Caps like their tandem for sure. But balancing other key, pending UFAs as well…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 10, 2025
Analysis: Washington has been a pleasant surprise this season and its thanks to both of their goalies. The Capitals are fighting for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division when many didn’t expect them to. Both goalies have pulled their weight so far and this could pose an interesting problem that LeBrun mentioned.
Thompson and Lindgren are both UFAs and have come in and a relatively low cap hit. Washington is saving money by paying Lindgren $1.1 million and Thompson $766,667 per season. However, both goalies are coming up for deals and they’ll likely want some sort of a raise.
Washington General Manager Chris Patrick probably knows how important both goalies have been crucial to the team’s success. However, he has other players that are seeking deals. Important pieces like Jakob Chychrun, Nic Dowd and Andrew Mangiapane are all looking for new contracts. Patrick could be in for some tough decisions coming into the next off-season.
LeBrun also points out that management is concerned about the look of signing one goalie before the other. There seems to be some good chemistry between the netminders, but the Capitals brass doesn’t want to ruin that.
What It Means
We mentioned in a previous edition of NHL rumours that Chychrun would love to re-sign with the Capitals. The veteran blueliner makes $4.5 million and is likely seeking a raise. Mangiapane makes $5.8 million and will also likely seek a bump in pay.
Dowd comes in at a much more manageable $1.3 million, but every dollar will still count. However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Washington in trying to keep its roster together.
There is the added help of the salary cap going up by a projected few million dollars. The Capitals will also get some relief with the Nicklas Backstrom contract coming off the books. Backstrom is making $9.2 million and is currently on the long-term injured reserve. His cap hit will be done and he’ll become a UFA at the end of the season.
There’s plenty of time before July 1 and things can always change. However, this is something that could be looming in the background as we approaching the end of the season.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: Washington Capitals Goalie Situation appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.