Entering the 2022-23 season, there was a big question mark surrounding Vegas’ goaltending situation. With Robin Lehner set to miss the entire season due to hip surgery, the question remains: who will shoulder the load? The Golden Knights traded for Adin Hill and had rookie Logan Thompson already on the roster as the net was turned over to the unproven duo. Through the first half of the season, the results have been nothing but spectacular, as Thompson has looked like the next-best goalie in the NHL.
With a team full of veterans and high expectations, a lot of pressure rested on Thompson’s shoulders, as the Vegas fan base and organization expect one thing, to win. That is exactly what Thompson has done over the 29 games he’s played in. The Golden Knights find themselves first in the Pacific Division and Western Conference while being third in the overall NHL standings. Vegas’ 27-13-2 record has been largely due to the rise of Logan Thompson, as he gives the veterans upfront a chance to win every time he’s in net.
On the season, Thompson has appeared in 29 games, starting 28 of them as he’s compiled an 18-10-1 record. He has posted a 2.66 GAA and a .914 SV% to go along with two shutouts. His stats haven’t just been impressive among rookies but among the NHL. His GAA ranks tied for 13th best, while his SV% is tied for 14th and wins 3rd overall with Igor Shesterkin. This has not just been a great rookie season for Thompson but an excellent season for any goaltender around the league.
Thompson does have some tough competition this season for the Calder, with Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken being the top forward and the favorite at the moment. There is also Pyotr Kochetkov of the Carolina Hurricanes, who is having an impressive season in net as well.
Thompson’s ability to play so many games on a top team helps his chances in the Calder race, as he will rack up win after win if he continues his level of play.
At the moment, Thompson has the third-best odds to win the Calder Trophy, but with a strong second half, those odds should improve, especially since he’s played in 12 more games than Pyotr Kochetkov. It’s always hard for goalies to win, especially if they have a small sample which Thompson does not. The last goaltender to take home the Calder Trophy was Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets way back in 2009.
For those that are interested in betting, Logan Thompson is currently +700 odds to win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
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