So long, Logan Thompson

Do you know the feeling of when you meet somebody cool and they become a great friend? You hang out with the person and form a strong friendship along the way, becoming closer personally. Suddenly, that person gets a new job and must leave town. Your life is turned upside-down as you lose someone close to you.

That's the case with Logan Thompson as he was traded to the Washington Capitals on Saturday. The return was a 2024 third-round draft pick (used on Pavel Moysevich, another goalie) and a 2025 third-round draft pick. The move confirmed Adin Hill as the starter for the Vegas Golden Knights next season, especially after getting Akira Schmid as a backup goaltender in a separate trade.

With Thompson heading to the nation's capital (he's not old enough to run for president), he leaves behind a notable presence on the team. In 2023-24, he went 25-14-5 with a GAA of 2.70 and a save percentage of .908. He's had career numbers consisting of a GAA of 2.67, a save percentage of .912, and four shutouts.

The newest Capitals goaltender helped Vegas win their first Stanley Cup in 2023, serving as the go-to guy in the net. In 37 games, he had a GAA of 2.65 and a save percentage of .915 that season, posting two shutouts. Cue the Sarah McLachlan music because it's time to dive into what made Logan Thompson special.

What made Logan Thompson special

The former Golden Knights goaltender was incredible in the net, doing whatever it took to stop incoming shots. He had an athletic style where he would move within his own crease, seeing the puck efficiently. That earned him an All-Star selection in 2023, becoming the first rookie goaltender to play since John Gibson in 2016.

His skills coincided with a big frame, standing at 6'4" and weighing 205 lbs. He filled out that frame perfectly, displaying good rebound control and swallowing up shots with his body. Thompson was the quintessential Vegas goaltender: A player who was good when combined with a defensive system that took away shooting lanes. Look at how he did in the playoffs against the Dallas Stars.

This will be remembered as the climax of Logan Thompson's career, where he stopped 43 shots. Although the Dallas Stars won that game (and the series), it showed how reliable the goaltender was for Vegas. He carried the team within a period of taking complete control of the series, using his big frame and athleticism to stop incoming shots.

Fans will wonder what could've been if the netminder had a better opportunity. What if he didn't get injured in 2023? What if Adin Hill wasn't there? Although the latter would've meant no Stanley Cup for Vegas that season, it still has fans reminiscing about the simpler times with a fan favorite. Still, good luck in the nation's capital, dear friend.