Capitals Deal for Logan Thompson Raises Shesterkin Questions

The Washington Capitals have locked in goaltender Logan Thompson with a six-year, $35.1 million contract extension, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $5.85 million. Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Patrick announced the deal, saying Thompson has been great all season and the club is confident in his ability to anchor the team’s goaltending position for years to come.

Thompson said he was thankful for his time there; they got the deal done quickly, and he’s been happy just to go out there and play. The transition has been smooth, and the results on ice show Thompson has been a great fit.

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“We are pleased to sign Logan to a multi-year contract,” said Patrick. “Logan has demonstrated that he is one of the top goaltenders in the NHL this season and since he joined the League. With his size and exceptional athleticism, we are confident that this signing will enhance one of the most critical positions on our team.”

Thompson, 27, is enjoying a standout campaign. He’s posted a 22-2-3 record with a 2.09 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage, and two shutouts in 27 games. Early in the season, the Capitals surprised people with their success. Now, it’s clear they’re the real deal. Thompson has been a huge part of why the Caps have dominated.

Among NHL goalies with at least 15 games played, he ranks second in goals-against average, third in save percentage, and third in wins. Additionally, Thompson leads the league in goals saved above expected (27.30), per Sportlogiq.

The contract includes a mix of base salary and signing bonuses, as well as a no-trade clause that evolves over the term: a 15-team no-trade list for the first three years and a 10-team list for the final three.

This Deal Looks Like a Steal for the Capitals

If Thompson maintains anywhere close to this pace over the next six seasons, his contract will look like one of the league’s best bargains. To get someone with these kinds of numbers on the roster for under $6 million makes the Igor Shesterkin contract extension ($11.5M AAV) look brutally overpriced.

Shesterkin was set to reset the market with his contract extension, but this deal for Thompson (while his resume isn’t as extensive) brings the cost of goalies back down to earth. Thompson is proving he’s one of the NHL’s top goaltenders this season and Washington didn’t have to give him eight years to lock him in at this price.

Thompson has proven himself enough to be seen as better than just a flash in the pan. He’s the real deal, and the Capitals got him signed before having to pay what Shesterkin’s deal might have suggested was the new market price.

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