The Vegas Golden Knights have had a weird season to date, to put it mildly. From injuries to strings of losses to the Jack Eichel trade, this has been the most unusual season in the team’s short history. There have been some brights spots and maybe none bigger than a non-rostered player that went undrafted.
Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson was not even on the roster when the season started. Injuries to starter Robin Lehner and backup Laurent Brossoit had Vegas looking for answers and they found that in a recall for Thompson.
Thompson, 6-foot-3 and 181 pounds was put in a situation that must have caused a world of anxiety. He had not been on NHL ice before and worse off he did not know how long he would be in this role. He had flip-flopped between Vegas and AHL affiliate Henderson Silver Knights last season and this season as well. However, this was the biggest opportunity of his career.
Thompson, whose contract is $800,000 through the 2024/25 season, has carried the workload since his recall. Although it is still a small sample size of games Thompson has proved he can be counted on to carry a starter’s workload and be an NHL goaltender. With this opportunity, he has shown he can be a starter in the NHL.
In his 3 AHL seasons with Henderson, he has played 50 games, compiling a 2.44 GAA, .929 save %, and a 29-16-7 record. In 11 career NHL games, he has a 5-4 record, with a 2.85 GAA, and a .915 save %.
Thompson has a winning record everywhere he has played. The 2020/21 season was a dream for Thompson as he had many accolades come his way. AHL (Pacific Division) All-Star team, AHL All-Rookie team, AHL Baz Bastien Memorial Award (best goaltender), and AHL best save %.
A very athletic goaltender for his size Thompson may be the starting goaltender for the Golden Knights next season. He has proven he can play a string of games, his stats are tremendous for a rookie goalie, his cap hit is low and he is young.
Logan Thompson is a goaltender worth keeping your eye on. He is young at a very important position but he has handled the pressure well and he is performing like a veteran goalie. Do not be surprised if he is in between the pipes next season on opening night for the Vegas Golden Knights.