Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals recently re-signed restricted free agent goaltender Philipp Grubauer to a two year deal worth $1,500,000. By doing this, the Capitals have all but assured Philipp Grubauer of being on the NHL roster for the next two seasons. However, Grubauer is not going to be simply content with being the backup because he has a much larger goal in mind.

“That’s the goal, to be a starter in the NHL and it’s got to start with the backup job. You’ve got to start somewhere with a backup job. I think it’s been enough in the AHL. I’ve learned and played down there and I want to take the next step to the NHL, full-time.”

Coming off two seasons of being the starting goaltender for the Hershey Bears, one might expect that Philipp Grubauer might not be good in a backup role. There is merit to that concern, as one’s mentality as a starting goaltender and as a backup are different. Not everyone can be a good backup goalie. However, Philipp Grubauer feels that he is ready to take on whatever role the Caps ask of him.

“It’s a different role, for sure. I’ve played close to 50 games, or over 50 games last year in Hershey. You have to just stay focused and work and soak everything in, if I’m going to be [with the Capitals] full-time. You can learn by watching as well. Doesn’t matter if it’s in practice or on the bench during games. You have to always be ready. Doesn’t matter. When you’re going to get your opportunity, you have to use the opportunity well and you always have to be ready.”

Philipp Grubauer has not been given many chances with the Capitals to be an NHL goaltender, but in his limited sample size, he has shown that one of his greatest strengths is that he always seems prepared. Twice last season he had to make emergency starts. The first time, he had to do it against the Anaheim Ducks. He wound up leading the Capitals to a 3-2 shootout win.

The second time was when he replaced a sick Braden Holtby and led the Caps to a 4-3 victory. Most goalies would be freaking out if they were called up to start an NHL playoff game against one of the top scoring teams in the NHL. While Philipp Grubauer did not have his best day, it was almost eerie how calm and poised he was.

While Philipp Grubauer has improved immensely over the past two years working with Scott Murray of the Hershey Bears, he’s very excited to be working with Capitals goaltender coach and goalie guru Mitch Korn. He intends on taking advantage of having the opportunity to work with the same guy who has a resume of goaltenders that he has helped.

“It’d be amazing to work with him,” Grubauer said of Korn, with whom he spoke regularly during the season. “You learn so much from him. Didn’t get a chance to practice from him much, but I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”

I think that Grubauer has what it takes to be a very good backup goaltender. It’ll be interesting to see how he improves while being the backup goaltender because Grubauer appears to be a hands-on learner. He likes to take what he has learned and take it to the ice so that he can learn more. Korn and Grubauer will have to work together to find a system that keeps Grubauer learning while also keeping him prepared. My guess is that Korn will keep Grubauer fresh by making him prepare for every game like he’s the starter.

Philipp Grubauer is the backup goaltender, but I love how he is not going to be content with that. I love competition. I think that Grubauer is going to be excellent for Holtby and vice versa. I think Holtby will learn things from Grubauer and I think Grubauer will happily learn as much as he can from Holtby.