Making the move to the Washington Capitals has enabled Charlie Lindgren to make much forward progress in his career as an NHL netminder. Undrafted following a stellar college career at St. Cloud State, Lindgren existed mostly as a third-goalie option during the first seven seasons of his pro career with the Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues.

Until arriving in Washington, Lindgren had never seen action in more than 14 games during any NHL season. He’s never played less than 30 in a season with the Capitals. 

There were flashes of brilliance along the way before he got his big break in the U.S. capital. Lindgren made his NHL debut on April 7, 2016. He would make 26 saves in posting a 4-2 win for the Canadiens over the Carolina Hurricanes. The following season, he’d earn a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic while playing for St. John’s. In a brief recall to Montreal, Lindgren shone. He was 2-0 with a 1.48 goals-against average and .949 save percentage.

His first NHL shutout came on November 5, 2017, backstopping Montreal to a 2-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks behind a 38-save performance. Lindgren would play what was for him at the time a career-high 14 games that season with Montreal. He would go 4-8-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .908 save percentage, earning a three-year contract extension at season’s end.

Lindgren signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Blues in the summer of 2021. He was outstanding during a five-game stint with St. Louis that season, going 5-0-0 with a stingy 1.22 GAA and a sterling .958 save percentage.

Nonetheless, he wasn’t given a new pact, joining the Capitals as a UFA in the summer of 2022. Winning the backup role for the Capitals, Lindgren didn’t exactly brick up the net. He was 13–11-3 in 31 appearances, with a 3.03 GAA and .899 save percentage. 

However, it all clicked for Lindgren at the age of 30 during the 2023-24 season. He took over as Washington’s No. 1 goalie, backstopping a team that was 28th in the NHL in goals scored (2.63 goals per game) into the Stanley Cup playoffs. With such a limited margin for error, it helped that Lindgren shared the NHL lead with six shutouts.

Down the stretch as the Capitals were battling for the final Eastern Conference playoff seeding. Lindgren was carrying the load. He got the start in 19 of Washington’s last 22 regular-season games, going 12-6-2 with a 2.39 GAA, a .919 save percentage and three shutouts.

During his college days at St. Cloud State, Lindgren was bestowed with several honors. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team in 2014. His stellar season of 2015-16 saw Lindgren named to the NCHC First All-Star Team and win NCHC Goaltender of the Year. As well, he was an NCAA West First All-American Team selection.