‘Everybody Loves Him’: Meet Newest Capitals Goalie Lindgren

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals had their starter locked up to open 2022 NHL Free Agency, signing Darcy Kuemper to a long-term deal. General manager Brian MacLellan then had to find his backup, and they had a name in mind: Charlie Lindgren.

It wouldn’t be easy to bring the 28-year-old to Washington, as the club faced competition from quite a few other clubs with interest. He is coming off a standout season that saw him go 5-0-0 with a .958 save percentage and 1.22 GAA with the St. Louis Blues while also dominating with a .925 SV% — good for second in the AHL — with the Springfield Thunderbirds. So, MacLellan offered him a competitive deal, and it paid off, as he inked a three-year, $3.3 million deal to join the Capitals.

“We liked his performance last year. I know it wasn’t a lot of games, but we think there is some upside there in goalie, so we gave them the three-year term because it was competitive for him,” MacLellan said, adding, “He had a good performance last year, but limited games. We think he can continue to play well.”

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Lindgren first came on the scene as an undrafted free agent back in 2016, when he signed with the Montreal Canadiens after a stellar career at St. Cloud State. He has since worked his way up the ranks. And, not only does he bring a lot to the table between the pipes, but he also makes quite an impact off the ice.

“A really great person, a great team guy, has had some good numbers as well,” Laviolette said. “Definitely a new look in net for us. And we’re really excited about it,” head coach Peter Laviolette said of the netminder.

Though he has just 29 NHL games under his belt, he has become known around the league as a beloved locker room presence. That reputation has stuck and caught the eye of his goaltending partner in Kuemper. The two share an agent, and though they haven’t met, the 32-year-old knows that they’re going to form a great tandem on and off the ice.

“I’ve heard he’s an awesome guy, great in the locker room, everybody loves him,” Kuemper said. “Super excited to get to know him and kind of start our partnership there.”