The Washington Capitals shouldn't fix what isn't broken, and they are reportedly not going to.
According to Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Freidman, the Capitals plan on keeping both of their goaltenders Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson for the remainder of 2024-25.
Both have performed above expectations this year, helping to propel the Capitals into first place in the Metropolitan Division with a five-point lead over the New Jersey Devils.
Lindgren and Thompson are both set to become unrestricted free agents after this season and with the trade deadline looming closer each day, the Capitals want to squash any trade talk and see what they have come springtime.
"Both their goalies, Thompson and Lindgren, are UFAs, and Washington's told teams they want to keep both those guys," Friedman said.
Washington was statistically the worst team to make the playoffs over 30 years last season and now holds the fifth-best save percentage in professional hockey.
After reporting these plans in his "32 Thoughts" column on Sportsnet, Friedman later clarified on his podcast that the Capitals will have a hard time keeping both after this season.
"I mentioned that they want to keep both guys, and someone said to me, 'You could have been a bit more clear that that's about this season,'" Friedman said. "In the future, Washington — I don't think they're going to be able to keep both guys."
The Capitals are currently spending under $2 million on their goaltending duo, with Lindgren earning $1.1 million and Thompson $766,667 this season. Despite the modest cost, their performance outshines that of many higher-paid goaltending tandems.
New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin pushed the goaltending market significantly upwards when he commanded an eight-year, $92 million deal last month.
With Thompson ranking fifth overall in goals saved above expected according to Moneypuck.com, he has a good argument to secure some heavy bacon.
Lindgren emerged as a starting candidate in Washington last year, arguably cementing himself as the team's best player. In 50 games, he posted a .911 save percentage and 2.67 goals against average despite horrendous 5-on-5 play and special teams units in front of him.
He's not split the season down the middle with Thompson, having played 20 games and taking a slight step back to a .898 save percentage and a 2.70 goals-against average.
Thompson came to town via trade after having just won a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights two seasons ago. The extra support has helped as both he and Lindgren have proven the platoon approach can work for the Capitals.
Thompson has stopped over 91% of shots faced and his allowing 2.32 goals against per game.
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