The Calgary Flames didn’t appear to be the identical staff this season as they did in 2021-22 once they received the division, particularly in internet. Final season’s Vezina Trophy finalist Jacob Markstom majorly regressed and regardless that backup Dan Vladar had flashes of being a stable goalie, he in the end didn’t have an awesome total season.

The Flames received the pleasure of seeing Dustin Wolf make his NHL debut within the staff’s last recreation of the season and he placed on a present. He’s the staff’s high prospect and arguably the perfect goaltending prospect within the NHL. There is no such thing as a doubt that he can have a spot on the Flames for subsequent season, possible behind Markstrom, which leaves Dan Vladar because the odd man out. It makes far more sense to guess on an enchancment from Markstrom contemplating his profession as an entire and the way effectively he performed within the last 9 video games of the season. Not solely will it’s simpler to maneuver Vladar with two years at $2.2 million common annual worth (AAV), Markstrom is a confirmed starter and can assist ease Wolf into the NHL. Having mentioned all that, let’s have a look at three potential groups that might commerce for Vladar this offseason.

Edmonton Oilers

From how the primary yr of Jack Campbell’s contract has gone and the way effectively rookie Stuart Skinner has performed, the Edmonton Oilers seem to have made a reasonably large mistake. Skinner began the season as a backup after the Oilers’ large free agent signing of Campbell, however rapidly took over the beginning function and completed the common season with 14 extra begins and eight extra wins. The Oilers are additionally heading into the playoffs with Skinner as their starter.

It’s not going to be straightforward to maneuver Campbell after the season he had, however the Oilers have the choice of shopping for him out which might unlock a spot on the roster, cap area, and a necessity to accumulate a backup to play behind Skinner. That is the place the Flames, who do nonetheless make offers with their bitter rivals, come into the equation. Vladar proved that he can play superb hockey at occasions and even held down the fort in Calgary whereas Markstrom struggled early within the season (from “The Flames might give Dan Vladar extra begins, however Jacob Markstrom continues to be their man”, The Athletic, Feb. 16, 2023). The Oilers would then be paying their goalie tandem $4.8 million AAV as a substitute of $7.6 million AAV. With Evan Bouchard possible wanting large cash on his subsequent deal, neither the Flames nor the Oilers can afford to sit down on their arms and never make a transfer that will profit them each.

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have squeaked into the playoffs on the again of Ilya Sorokin’s play. He’s a Vezina Trophy contender this season and can very possible be a finalist. Over the previous couple of seasons he has taken over the beginning duties from Semyon Varlamov and the veteran, within the last yr of his deal, solely received 22 begins this season. Varlamov and lots of groups know that he can play far more than that and he performed effectively this season. He will likely be shifting on and the Islanders will likely be in want of a less expensive backup goalie.

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The staff may very effectively be eager about a youthful backup who will no doubt carry out higher with a powerful defensive system in entrance of him. The Islanders are often called among the finest groups within the NHL defensively, however that’s additionally due to Sorokin. They don’t must be paying a backup goalie $5 million as Sorokin will likely be beginning 55-60 video games a season and it might even make extra sense to usher in somebody with a little bit of expertise and flashes of sturdy play. Vladar is beneath contract for 2 extra seasons, a perfect size for the Islanders.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks had been actually sunk by their lack of stable goaltending this season. Thatcher Demko, who performed nice after coming back from his months-long harm, didn’t begin effectively in any respect. As soon as he landed on the injured reserve, Spencer Martin did a good worse job. The staff’s lack of ability to get a save from their goaltenders washed away their possibilities of making the playoffs fairly early.

Their plans are going to alter this offseason as Martin will possible play out the ultimate yr of his contract within the American Hockey League whereas Collin Delia is an unrestricted free agent this summer season. Martin is an efficient third-string goalie, however buying Vladar to be Demko’s backup can be a sensible transfer. As famous above, the size of his contract and the cap hit aren’t dangerous in any respect and he may present some stable aid for Demko as he did with Markstrom this season.

I don’t anticipate Vladar to get the Flames a ton in return as he completed the season with a .894 save share and minus-7.1 targets saved above common (GSAA). He did go 14-6-5 although, proving he may rise to the event and play effectively when he was actually wanted. There’s a very slim probability Vladar isn’t traded earlier than free company, so anticipate his title to start out popping up increasingly as we strategy the offseason.