Charlie Lindgren signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Washington Capitals on Monday. It has an average annual value of $3 million.
The 31-year-old goalie could have become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He is 13-10-13 with a 2.70 goals-against average, .898 save percentage and one shutout in 27 games this season.
"It feels really good," Lindgren said. "The business side is probably the toughest part of hockey. I think for everyone in this locker room all they want to do is just play hockey and compete with their brothers and go and win hockey games. Then when the business side comes up when you’re on an expiring deal, it's just part of the program.
"But really happy to get it done and to sign a three-year deal here. Obviously, I think you guys all know how I feel about this place and the people here, from the trainers to the staff right through security, teammates. It's really just a home-run organization, so really happy to sign the deal."
Logan Thompson, who has split time with Lindgren this season, signed a six-year, $35.1 million contract ($5.85 million AAV) with Washington on Jan. 27.
Lindgren said he did have some concerns after Thompson signed, but they didn't last long.
"He signed and then I think pretty much they just started negotiating with me right away," he said. "So went through that process. I think when Logan signed you ... you wonder a little bit where you fit into the picture, but always knew if we could make it work here, I’d want to stay and certainly that’s panned out and came to fruition and I’m really happy to be here."
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said it's a good feeling knowing the goaltending rotation is set for the next few seasons.
"For multiple reasons I think it's a great partnership," he said. "I think both guys work well together. They feed off of one another. They have a great relationship. So that part of it is excellent. And I think just the way that both guys are such capable 1A goalies in this league, it gives us a luxury of being able to utilize both guys.
"They push each other, but they push each other in a respectful way. They both want to win, they both want the net, but they also understand that it's a team game. They push each other but also understand the benefits of having two guys and being able to utilize both guys and keep them fresh. So it's a huge luxury for us to have the next three years."
Lindgren is 51-37-13 with a 2.78 GAA, .905 save percentage and seven shutouts since he signed a three-year, $3.3 million contract ($1.1 million AAV) with the Capitals as a free agent July 13, 2022. In his NHL career, Lindgren is 66-49-15 with a 2.77 GAA, .907 save percentage and nine shutouts in 137 games (129 starts) for the Capitals, Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues since signing with Montreal as an undrafted free agent March 30, 2016.
"Since joining our organization in 2022, Charlie has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and reliability in net with his athleticism and drive," Patrick said. "With both goalies under contract for the next three seasons, we expect this tandem to provide our club stability at a crucial position and push one another to compete and play at a high level."
Washington (39-14-8) is in first place in the Metropolitan Division and second overall in the NHL, two points behind the Winnipeg Jets.
NHL.com senior writer Tom Gulitti contributed to this report
