Days after re-signing Logan Thompson to a six-year extension, the Capitals are now looking to lock up the team’s other right-handed catching goaltender, Charlie Lindgren.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported on Thursday night that the Capitals “are exploring a potential contract extension” for Lindgren worth $3.5 to $4 million annually. The 31-year-old Lindgren is in the final season of a three-year contract he signed in 2022, which has an average annual value of $1.1 million.
Lindgren’s possible extension comes after taking over the starting spot from Darcy Kuemper and helping the Capitals make the playoffs in the final game of the 2023-24 regular season. Lindgren has continued his solid play this year, posting an 11-9-3 record, a 2.61 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage. Money Puck says Lindgren has saved 2.3 goals above expected this season.
Lindgren, who is well-liked in the locker room, has spent much of the season alternating starts with Thompson, forming one of the best goaltending duos in the NHL.
“We feel confidence that those guys are going to make a save in a huge moment,” Alex Ovechkin said on Monday. “They’re going to keep us in a game. That’s give us an opportunity to be able to stay in the game.”
Nicknamed The Outlaw, Lindgren has made several sensational saves this season including a windmill stop that robbed the Hurricanes’ Tyson Jost and a diving glove save after briefly leaving the Capitals’ net for an extra attacker.
Earlier in the season, reports emerged that the Capitals were hesitant to sign one goaltender before the other and cause a rift in the locker room. They also had no plans to deal either goalie at the trade deadline despite both being UFAs and having depth in the minor leagues.
If negotiations go well with Lindgren, the Capitals could next set their sights on re-signing Jakob Chychrun once the team has more information about next season’s salary cap.
