"After witnessing Charlie Lindgren's performance last season, we believe he deserves a chance to play a more significant role within our team," Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said of the move.
The Washington Capitals made a big decision on Wednesday, choosing to part ways with Darcy Kuemper and bring in Pierre-Luc Dubois in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Kings.
While the move was mainly made to bring in more help on offense and give a player with "immense potential" a fresh start, it also made a clear statement regarding the team's plan between the pipes.
Charlie Lindgren, who is entering the final year of the three-year contract he'd signed with the intention of being Kuemper's backup, is the surefire No. 1 goaltender now and could sign an extension.
General manager Brian MacLellan said in an interview with The Daily Faceoff's Frank Servavalli said that he is open to signing Lindgren, who will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, to another contract. He also said immediately after the trade that Lindgren has earned more attention as a longer-term solution.
"After witnessing Charlie Lindgren's performance last season, we believe he deserves a chance to play a more significant role within our team," MacLellan said.
Lindgren has also shown that he can carry a big workload and bring consistency to the crease, which can keep D.C. relevant as it looks to remain a playoff team.
Then, comes the question of his backup. Washington has an impressive pool of prospect goaltenders, with Hunter Shepard and Clay Stevenson both shining in Hershey.
Based on experience, Shepard could be promoted full-time to the NHL after getting a taste of the highest level this past season, while Stevenson would be the new No. 1 in Hershey with up-and-comer Mitchell Gibson, who made the pro jump with the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays this year, being promoted to the AHL. However, don't count out Stevenson to compete for his share of NHL time, too.
Another option is to sign a cheaper veteran to back up Lindgren, which would allow Shepard and Stevenson to continue to split ice time and get their share of experience.
Shepard, however, has paid his dues and has one year left on his contract, so bringing him up seems like the most likely option for D.C. It will also give Gibson the chance to take the next step in his career and Stevenson the opportunity to blossom into a full-time starter and continue his promising track to the NHL.
Ultimately, parting with Kuemper, who had originally signed on to be Washington's main man in net for five years, wasn't an easy decision, but the right one with the future in mind.