The Washington Capitals announced that they have resigned goaltender Philipp Grubauer to a one-way, two-year deal worth $1.5M.
It's a great signing for the Caps as they were able to lock up Grubauer for two years with a very reasonable cap hit of $750K a year. The question is now, what will happen to current backup goaltender Justin Peters?
Peters has one year left on a two-year deal that would pay him $950K next season. Peters had a pretty rough season this year, playing in only 12 games for Washington, recording a 3-6-1 record with a 3.25 GAA and .881 SP.
Grubauer, on the other hand, is coming off a great year in Hershey posting a 27-17-5 record with 6 shutouts, 2.30 GAA and a .921 SP in 49 games this season. He also starred in a couple relief roles in Washington for a tired Braden Holtby including a playoff appearance in which he stopped 18 shots for his first NHL playoff win.
If the Caps decide to go with Grubauer next season to backup Holtby, Peters could see himself being delegated to Hershey to backup another budding star goaltender in Pheonix Copely. Peters could also be dealt prior to or at the draft for a team looking for a quality backup, which I believe Peters can be in the right environment.
Peters was a professional last season as he watched a majority of the time from the bench, even when the Caps decided to with Grubauer when Holtby needed a rest. If Peters sees more playing time, he could help a team in need of a push in net. Chances are, though, he'll end up in Hershey and the Caps will roll with Grubauer and Holtby next season.
More to come...