Logan Thompson was in bed, just waking up before his autograph session at the 2024 NHL Draft. Then, he got a phone call: at the Sphere — where he was scheduled to be within the hour — the Vegas Golden Knights chose to trade him to the Washington Capitals.
The move didn't take Thompson by surprise though; he didn't dive into detail, but hinted that there'd been talks of a move with the team. Still, it's been a whirlwind of emotions as he experienced a trade for the first time.
"It's weird. I've never been traded before... a lot of emotions still running through me and it's gonna take a couple days to process," Thompson said. "The only thing I've ever known in the NHL is the Golden Knights, so it's gonna be different."
Still, he chose to go to his autograph session, where he got to meet with Vegas and Washington fans. In the midst of the chaos, Aliaksei Protas, who is at the draft to support brother and Capitals third-round pick Ilya, came over to reunite with Thompson; Years ago, the two were roommates at Capitals development camp.
For Thompson, it was a meaningful reunion, and getting to go back to D.C. carries a lot more significance for him. After all, it's where his NHL journey got underway with development camp and the team's ECHL-affiliate South Carolina Stingrays.
"I'm happy to come back to Washington. Obviously that's kind of where I think my pro career started, and I have a lot of good relationships out there, so I'm excited to come back."
It's not only a reunion, but a fresh start for Thompson, who posted a .908 save percentage through 46 games with Vegas last season. He's looking forward to working with Charlie Lindgren, a fellow right-hand catch, as he aims to make up a strong 1A/1B tandem.
"I've heard nothing but great things and obviously what he did last year, he was amazing. I'm excited to go there and work with him," Thompson said.
But at the end of the day, the most important thing for Thompson is to continue to show what he can do at the highest level and get back to his All-Star form from 2023, where he also got to hoist the Stanley Cup.
"I think I got a lot more that I can prove in this league," Thompson said. "I'm hoping that I get that opportunity with Washington."
