This post was updated on 10/9/2020.
Braden Holtby was selected by the Washington Capitals 93rd overall in the 2008 draft. The gawky, glasses-wearing nerd out of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, had only a 12 percent chance of making the NHL as a fourth-round pick.
Holtby was never supposed to make the NHL. Instead, 12 years later, he is inarguably the greatest goaltender in Washington Capitals history – no matter what team he finishes his career with. Holtby’s likeness now appears on a mural on the side of a bridge just outside his hometown.
Holtby started in goal, perhaps for the final time, on Thursday, August 20, during the Capitals’ 4-0 Game Five loss against the New York Islanders. Washington lost the first-round series 4-1.
Holtby’s lone victory in Game Four was his 50th career playoff win in Washington.
FITTY. #HoltBeast pic.twitter.com/RusAi01PEG
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 19, 2020
The Caps longtime starter signed a two-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks on the first day of free agency. With the salary cap flat and without much cap space, the Capitals signed Henrik Lundqvist cheap to be their backup and will turn to Ilya Samsonov to be their full-time starter next season.
Holtby’s career in Washington was legendary.
Holtby first signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals on October 20, 2008, and joined the organization in 2009-10 with the ECHL South Carolina Stingrays as a 20-year-old. At that point in time, Holtby was behind 2006 first-round pick Semyon Varlamov and 2006 second-round pick Michal Neuvirth on the goalie prospect depth chart while Jose Theodore was the number one starter in Washington.
Capitals fans first got introduced to Holtby in the minor leagues due to his intricate Holtbyisms – weird superstitions that he repeated every game.
On November 5, 2010, Holtby’s NHL career in Washington began with a 10 minute and nine-second relief appearance late in the third period. Holtby made four saves to earn his first career NHL victory. During his first NHL start two nights later, he made 23 saves against the Philadelphia Flyers and would earn another W. He would go on to start his career 10-2-2 in his first 14 games in the NHL.
Holtby would become the Capitals’ starter during the 2012 postseason, leading the Capitals past the Boston Bruins in the first round. That series featured this iconic moment when Rich Peverley wound up and faked slashing Holtby in the chest. Holtby did not flinch. It was the moment he officially arrived.
Holtby’s 1.95 goals-against average and .935 save percentage during that year’s postseason catapulted him into the team’s starter for the next eight seasons.
"I hope I never reach the top of my game." – Braden Holtby, zen as fuck
— RMNB (@russianmachine) February 4, 2015
During that time, Holtby became one of the greatest goalies in the NHL and accomplished these mind-boggling things.
Holtby’s biggest achievement came in 2018 when he helped lead the Capitals’ to the first Stanley Cup. Despite not starting the postseason as the starter (Philipp Grubauer), Holtby won all 16 games of the Capitals championship run, posting a 16-7 record, 2.16 GAA, .922 save percentage, and two shutouts.
His biggest moment came in Game Two of the Stanley Cup when he made The Save, stopping Alex Tuch from point-blank range with his stick.
After the game, Alex Ovechkin told Sportsnet’s Scott Oake “thanks god we have that guy in the net.”
"thanks god we have that guy in the net" pic.twitter.com/Zw84XvCU6u
— holtby sporps #blm (@OVECHKlN) August 18, 2020
The Capitals would wrap the series up in Game Five. Holtby stopped 28 of 31 shots during the team’s 4-3 win.
Holtby would bring the Stanley Cup back to Lloydminster during his Stanley Cup day.
He would make an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon alongside captain Alex Ovechkin.
But it was Holtby’s activism and work in the community that would turn him from a good hockey player to a DC icon.
Holtby donated his time and money to help build a gym for kids at Hendley Elementary School in DC’s Ward 8. He helped raise money for tens of thousands of meals during the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2016, he became the first Capitals player to ever walk in the DC Pride Parade and has continued the tradition every year the hockey schedule has allowed him to.
In February 2017, Holtby was named the Caps’ LGBTQ-inclusion ambassador by the NHL, serving as a leader in the locker room and in the community on diversity, equality, and inclusion. Holtby also raised thousands of dollars for You Can Play after wearing a custom-designed mask during Hockey Is For Everyone month. For his dedication to the cause, Holtby received the DC Pride Ally Award. Holtby also spoke at the 2018 Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner and was one of a handful of Capitals players who skipped the team’s White House celebration with President Trump.
“In the end I never really came up with a situation where I would feel comfortable going,” Holtby said March 2019. “My family and myself, we believe in a world where humans are treated with respect regardless of your stature, what you’re born into. So I think that’s just where it’s at in terms of this decision. You’re asked to choose which side you’re on and I hope it’s pretty clear what side I’m on.”
After George Floyd’s murder due to police brutality, Holtby released a powerful statement saying that “America will never be great until all BLACK lives matter.”
Finally, Holtby had a unique connection with Capitals fans, always taking time to show appreciation to those who wanted a photo, an autograph, or some game-used equipment. Tuesday morning, we asked readers to share their photos with Holtby, and here are some of the hundreds of submissions we got.
Back when I first fell in love with Holtbae when he was with the Hershey Bears 😍 pic.twitter.com/mlt3AoUVUY
— Emily Filingeri (@emmm814) August 18, 2020
2010 Calder Cup celebration pic.twitter.com/gYkBinoQqG
— Erika S. @ 🏠 (@rinkrebel) August 18, 2020
As much as I love mine, I love this one more. In his Bears days with my son pic.twitter.com/WDLQDuCDBx
— Susie Weigel (@woozybear) August 18, 2020
Son with Holtby fresh in Hershey for season ticket holder night. pic.twitter.com/IuNmuDG91m
— Brent Bowles (@bowlestruck81) August 18, 2020
When Hershey won the Calder cup in 2010! pic.twitter.com/aVjbr7VdA6
— Kayla Meyers (@kaylajmeyers) August 18, 2020
First time we ever went to a Caps practice, @Holts170 gave our Haley his stick. She was thrilled to meet him about a year later – he was so kind & friendly. pic.twitter.com/UDirIyCxpb
— Lynn Overmann (@LynnOvermann) August 18, 2020
not with holts but he gave us his stick after the 2015 winter classic 🤪 pic.twitter.com/IG17Ev0eGJ
— Mr. Fahrenheit (@fischMcBites) August 18, 2020
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/8Mfjkz5o8f
— Gene Wu (@TheWuWu) August 18, 2020
that same year, I worked with Brandi servicing the Fort Dupont ice arena. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the entire Holtby family. Their pursuit of equality & humanitarianism speaks VOLUMES. We have THE best netminder in the league. pic.twitter.com/54vCNnyKjr
— Jessie (@JessieeDi) August 18, 2020
— Meg Davenhall (@mcdavenhall) August 18, 2020
Saw Holtby and Nate on our Columbus road. pic.twitter.com/41bsoJ31Nj
— tammy ashworth (@redsox31369) August 18, 2020
Outside of Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. February 2016. Last time Caps won in Nashville. Also, was on my honeymoon. pic.twitter.com/FQ7dinRfoD
— Steven Zahn (@Zahnboy8) August 18, 2020
Braden Holtby: rollercoaster enthusiast pic.twitter.com/34aPydicff
— zoë (@zsadugor) August 18, 2020
— Courtney (@IdlewoodRoad) August 18, 2020
Holtbae forever and always pic.twitter.com/JGC3sTVG9y
— MARGE 🏒 (@Margefro87) August 18, 2020
My brother and Braden at the NHL All Star Game in Nashville. Still jealous about this one pic.twitter.com/mvSUnW93gh
— Christopher Williams (@chrisdubbs31) August 18, 2020
We have so many! pic.twitter.com/J5NDuWN1xO
— Ann-Marie Ward (@martina09) August 18, 2020
— Ann-Marie Ward (@martina09) August 18, 2020
Rookie year I think. pic.twitter.com/AyRB8fQjov
— Michael Deemer (@mikedeemer) August 18, 2020
— k-poprative⁷ julie 🥪 LEO SZN (@heyjulieann) August 18, 2020
— Amy Rothenberger (@AmyRothenberger) August 18, 2020
Hockey fights cancer skate 2018. pic.twitter.com/N0D2fCpdzI
— Andrew Ford (@andrewfordjr) August 18, 2020
After practice, January 2016. My husband had just bought me a Holtby jersey for my birthday and the man himself was kind enough to sign it for me. I later put the Stanley Cup Champions patch on this one becuse it’s (and he’s) my favorite. pic.twitter.com/CgkLOgdqFS
— Catherine Andrus (@cmcandrus3) August 18, 2020
— Charlie Raibman (@CharlieRaibman) August 18, 2020
Our sweet prince pic.twitter.com/81gkdD1UZA
— Ford Martin (@red_ford2) August 18, 2020
— cara (@carabahniuk) August 18, 2020
Late to the party but pic.twitter.com/2kCR5hKFWK
— Michelle (@MichelleLiuCee) August 18, 2020
Just doing some grocery shopping @theschmidt32 🏒 pic.twitter.com/fqPQMEuQOi
— Elizabeth Penniman #AmericanRedCross (@epenniman) August 18, 2020
Starbucks Reserve in Dallas. Wilson was also there. I guess they like fancy coffee. Love these guys!!!! pic.twitter.com/gk41gDLJVL
— Ralph DAmico (@RalphDAmico) August 18, 2020
There’s the one w the @NYCCapsCrew after a preseason game in Connecticut. And the other is when I met him at Kettler & showered every single one of my teeth. pic.twitter.com/fw6IuLupJ9
— FatouFIERCE (@FatouSadio) August 18, 2020
— Abigail (@Avernon_70) August 18, 2020
— groundskeeper lily (@lilybobthornton) August 18, 2020
Making my eight-year-old's day! pic.twitter.com/ecDPp4NkPW
— Jamie Kerr (@kerrman21) August 18, 2020
😭😭😭 @FatouSadio @NYCCapsCrew pic.twitter.com/fGMcmv97lf
— Diane (@DianeBix) August 18, 2020
— NYC Caps Crew (@NYCCapsCrew) August 18, 2020
Such a nice guy. Humble. pic.twitter.com/SP2h81U3a0
— Jamie Strong (@jamiebstrong) August 18, 2020
April 27, 2016. Also, I hope you have some sort of intervention planned for those of us who are going to absolutely lose it when the time comes. We are blessed to have Stanley Cup Champion Braden Holtby, but also Mrs. Holts in DC. They are both TREASURES! pic.twitter.com/vhNNmUFXph
— Braden Holtby will always be my goalie (@capsfansince83) August 18, 2020
Holts is the best pic.twitter.com/2M0MUAaRvv
— Alex B (@BonsaiBondra) August 18, 2020
Absolute king pic.twitter.com/P0UnHNuRF6
— megamind stan account (@burakoofsky) August 18, 2020
Baby Holtby. pic.twitter.com/wvfa8alNQ6
— Sheena (@CAPLDY) August 18, 2020
— Meg Davenhall (@mcdavenhall) August 18, 2020
— Nichelle (@NichelleMata) August 18, 2020
— Jenn (@OsRavensCaps) August 18, 2020
😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/uvnWP2NMw8
— Caps Clusterfuck Crew #BLM (@claire_altman16) August 18, 2020
— Ashley (@ash1ees) August 18, 2020
took almost a year of lurking at the rink to catch him 😊 pic.twitter.com/VBVY9VbJuP
— Claudia 🌈✨ (@ahlettuce) August 18, 2020
Always took the time for those who love and admire him ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0EphiRnNyb
— Holtby the ❤️ of our team (@LisaDesabrais) August 18, 2020
— Lady Shannon of Ashburn, VA (@LadyShannonOfVA) August 18, 2020
— nathalie (@NathalieMoffat) August 18, 2020
Holts!! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ewSw16Bdv7
— Vivian Moeglein (@vmoeglein) August 18, 2020
I was sitting on the floor when he came out, when I tried to get up I fell back down right in front of him. He just stood there watching me. Didn’t give me a hand or anything, but didn’t go on to the rest of the people waiting for him either haha. I’m so sad right now. pic.twitter.com/taiYpw3AAJ
— superficial space cadet (@holtbyfanclub) August 18, 2020
thank you for the mems braden ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/96BLA1bTCX
— em #loffspain (@e_munson) August 18, 2020
Forgot he tossed my kiddo a puck during warm ups back in November pic.twitter.com/udKE4WqjSf
— Jenn (@OsRavensCaps) August 18, 2020
Met him at the airport In kelowna BC. Had just told him my dog is named after him and we got a good laugh at how creepy that sounded 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VbT594bAYi
— andy nenninger (@andy_nenninger) August 18, 2020
— Alexander Ovenchicken 🐐 (@rtomoff16) August 18, 2020
My favorite photo! pic.twitter.com/hWgpxXSxol
— Kathy Moore (@TeachKathyMoore) August 18, 2020
i just have this one but he was such a gem 😭 pic.twitter.com/IzrzlwWCoo
— jocelyn 🏒 (@huang_up_on) August 18, 2020
As my husband and I walked up to our hotel in Vegas I said “that looks like a Vegas version of Holtby”. pic.twitter.com/6BMFGbOcok
— Jessie H-M (@Jhoguem) August 18, 2020
— Eric Rigsby (@ericrigsb) August 18, 2020
Always has time for his fans. ❤️ @BevBellamy (2015) pic.twitter.com/0EM5GnayTw
— GoCapsGo (@happy2bemrsd) August 18, 2020
Always love Holtby ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7auB8D27ql
— Renee (@reneesydney12) August 18, 2020
NHL’s best. pic.twitter.com/UAPqIW1m4u
— Larry Duvall (@DuvallSpx) August 18, 2020
Hanging out in Vegas at the NHL awards! pic.twitter.com/WbM0bjURGc
— MinnesotaFan-KS (@MinnesotaFan_KS) August 18, 2020
Didn’t hesitate for a second to have a pic with my kid… pic.twitter.com/ODDi4IXwxS
— Chris Boron (@chrisboron) August 18, 2020
The puck he tossed to my kid after warmups. Class act all around. pic.twitter.com/XSzvHEzNnt
— J.D. Dogg™ (@J_D_Dogg) August 18, 2020
Prior to the fountain swimming in Georgetown… pic.twitter.com/FLcRzXPpt2
— Stephanie (@willi2sl) August 18, 2020
He signed a drawing I did of him and it was literally the best day of my life @Holts170 pic.twitter.com/3t1VX9OVDD
— Ruthie🦋 (@rjbowman27) August 18, 2020
— Nick (@One_CapsBabe32) August 18, 2020
@Holts170 with his well deserved celebration in the fountain. Thank you for all of the memories! I will continue to believe there will be more! It’s not over! pic.twitter.com/0HAznTLS3t
— Staci (@CapsDiva) August 19, 2020
The best guy ever. This is when he asked if he could have my hat because he was sad he missed Pride that day at Georgetown Waterfront!! Still hoping he sends me one in return… @Holts170 👀 pic.twitter.com/iwpF5R9oBu
— AL (@alpal52) August 18, 2020
Emotional, right?
On behalf of every Caps fan’s life that you touched, thank you, Braden.
Headline photo: @LynnOvermann
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