Capitals Player Profile: Justin Peters
Capitals Goaltender Justin Peters – Unknown
The 27 year old backup goaltender was signed by the Capitals on July 1st, 2014 to a two year contract that will pay him $950,000 a season.Peters, a native of Blythe, Onterio, Canada has made a career with the Carolina Hurricanes, serving as their backgup goaltender and playing a few games in the AHL since being drafted 38th overall in 2004. However, Peters has seen his NHL workload increase over the years.
Washington Capitals General Manager, Brian MacLellan stated, “We feel he is just entering his prime and has a tremendous upside,” at a press conference after announcing the signing.
POSITION: Goaltender. Catches Left
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6″1’/205 pounds
PLAYING CAREER: After getting drafted in 2004 Peters spent three seasons playing the Onterio Hockey League. In 2006-2007 he started his journey in the minor leagues moving between the American Hockey league and the East Coast Hockey League. In 2009-2010 Peters saw his first NHL action and played nine games that season with the Hurricanes posting a Goals Against Average of 2.83 and a Save Percentage of .905. He spent the next several seasons playing in both the NHL and AHL culminating in his best season yet, last season, with the Hurricanes he played in 21 games posting a Goals Against Average of 2.50 and a Save Percentage of .919.
PLAYING STYLE: Peters is a known butterfly goaltender who can make for a very good back up goaltender. Peters can take a heavy load of playing time if need be (because starters need rest) and is a great addition to a team looking to give their starter a rest for 20+ games a season. He has the skill to steal a game and is a big competitor. Peters also isn’t a bad puck handler.
Justin Peters was signed by the Capitals with the full intention of being the backup to Braden Holtby. Don’t expect to see him play many games in the AHL for the Hershey Bears unless Philip Grubauer has an outstanding season. Granted Peters can be a solid goaltender himself, Braden Holtby will be the Capitals starting goaltender and Peters knows that. He signed with the Capitals to get playing time as a backup to Holtby.
