The Washington Capitals Finally Find Stability in Net with Lindgren and Thompson Leading the Way
After years of uncertainty and frustration following Braden Holtby’s departure, the Washington Capitals have finally solidified their goaltending situation. The team is now confident in the tandem of Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson, whose strong play has brought much-needed stability between the pipes.
Both Lindgren and Thompson are locked in for at least the next three years after signing extensions this season. While Thompson emerged as the clear starter toward the end of the year, the Capitals are expected to employ a 1A/1B system under head coach Spencer Carbery during the regular season, maximizing the strengths of both netminders.
Depth Beyond the NHL Tandem
The Capitals’ goaltending stability doesn’t end at the NHL level. However, the organizational depth chart is undergoing some changes, particularly in the AHL, where the Hershey Bears’ net will see a new look next season. Longtime Bears netminder Hunter Shepard appears set to move on, paving the way for Clay Stevenson to take over as the No. 1 goalie in Hershey.
The competition for Stevenson’s backup will likely heat up during training camp. Washington has re-signed prospect Garin Bjorklund to a one-year contract, while 2023 seventh-round pick Antoine Keller has signed a one-year deal with the Bears. Meanwhile, restricted free agent Mitchell Gibson, who has shown significant growth, is expected to receive an extension and will likely compete for the backup role in Hershey.
If Gibson secures that spot, Bjorklund and Keller are projected to form the tandem for the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays, continuing their development at the professional level.
Promising Goaltending Prospects in the Pipeline
Washington’s depth also extends to its younger prospects. Chase Clark, a 2021 sixth-round pick, will enter his fifth year at Canisius College, where he’ll continue to hone his game. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Nicholas Kempf, selected in the fourth round of last year’s draft, is heading into his sophomore season at the University of Notre Dame. Both players represent long-term projects with potential upside for the Capitals’ future.
A Bright Future, But Room for Growth
With Thompson and Lindgren anchoring the NHL crease, Washington is in a strong position in net for the foreseeable future. The team’s organizational depth is solid but still leaves room for improvement, particularly when it comes to bolstering the pipeline with high-ceiling prospects. Look for the Capitals to potentially target goaltenders in the upcoming draft to further strengthen their long-term depth.
For now, though, the Capitals can breathe a sigh of relief. After years of searching for consistency in the wake of Holtby’s exit, they’ve found a tandem they can trust—and a system that promises to support them for years to come.
