In a move aimed at bolstering their goaltending depth, the Washington Capitals have announced the signing of unrestricted free agent goaltender Charlie Lindgren to a three-year contract. The deal, which was finalized on Sunday, is expected to strengthen the team’s crease and provide stability as they look to remain competitive in the highly contested Metropolitan Division.
Lindgren, who has spent the last two seasons with the St. Louis Blues, is a well-regarded backup netminder with a solid track record in the NHL. The 29-year-old was a key contributor to the Blues’ goaltending tandem, appearing in 31 games during his tenure with the team. Over that period, Lindgren posted a respectable 2.69 goals-against average (GAA) and a .913 save percentage, which highlights his reliability and ability to step up when needed.
The move to bring Lindgren to Washington comes at a time when the Capitals are looking to solidify their goaltending situation behind veteran netminder Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper, who signed with the Capitals as a free agent last summer, has established himself as a capable starter. However, adding Lindgren gives Washington an experienced and reliable backup option, ensuring that the team has a strong presence between the pipes should Kuemper be sidelined due to injury or need rest throughout the 82-game regular season.
“We’re thrilled to add Charlie to our team,” said Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan in a statement. “He has proven himself to be a capable goaltender at the NHL level, and we believe his addition will provide depth and stability to our goaltending position. Charlie brings experience, competitiveness, and a solid skill set that we are confident will complement our team.”
For Lindgren, the move to Washington presents a new chapter in his career. Originally signed by the Montreal Canadiens as an undrafted free agent in 2016, Lindgren has shown consistent growth in the NHL over the years, earning a reputation as a reliable backup and an exceptional performer in limited appearances. The former University of St. Cloud State standout spent parts of four seasons with Montreal before joining St. Louis in 2021.
“I’m excited to be joining such a storied franchise and a team with so much talent,” Lindgren said. “The Capitals are a team that’s always in the mix for a playoff spot, and I’m looking forward to contributing in any way I can to help the team win.”
Lindgren’s addition to the Capitals is expected to be a positive influence on the team’s goaltending dynamics, particularly with the combination of experience and youth that he brings. His signing also provides Washington with more flexibility as they look to manage their goaltending workload over the course of a grueling season.
The Capitals have long been a contender in the NHL, and while the team has seen some changes in recent seasons, they are committed to maintaining a competitive roster around their franchise cornerstone, Alex Ovechkin. Lindgren’s presence in the crease, alongside Kuemper, will be crucial in ensuring that Washington has reliable goaltending throughout the season, which has been a key factor in their past playoff successes.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Lindgren integrates with the Capitals’ goaltending group and how the duo of Kuemper and Lindgren will work together to keep the Capitals in the playoff hunt as they aim for another deep run in the postseason.