Back in October, the Flames signed goaltender Daniel Vladar to a two-year contract extension, suggesting their intention for him to be part of the plans in goal for a little while longer. However, Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson wonders if the 25-year-old might be better off being a trade option for Calgary this summer. With AHL MVP Dustin Wolf waiting in the wings while being on a contract that’s nearly $1.4MM cheaper, it’s possible that the Flames could be better served by moving Vladar and getting some much-needed cap space; they currently are pegged to have just $1.25MM in cap room this summer, per CapFriendly, with several roster spots needing to be filled. Vladar posted a 2.87 GAA with a .894 SV% in 27 appearances this season and if he was to be made available, Calgary could have a few teams inquiring about his services.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- Mollie Walker of the New York Post examines some low-cost goaltending options for the Rangers this summer, including a possible reunion with Jaroslav Halak. The 38-year-old posted a 2.72 GAA with a .903 SV% in 25 games this season and Walker suggests that there’s mutual interest in a return. However, with cap space being at a premium next season, Halak would almost certainly have to take a pay cut from the $1.5MM in guaranteed money he had in 2022-23.
- Flyers prospect Bryce Brodzinski will return for his fifth and final NCAA season with Minnesota, the Golden Gophers announced. The 22-year-old forward was a seventh-round pick by Philadelphia back in 2019 (196th overall) and had 19 goals and 12 assists in 40 games this season. Had he not opted to stay in school, the Flyers would have lost his rights if he was unsigned by August 15th. Instead, they’ll hold his rights one season longer.
If back to back AHL goaltender of the year, at a ripe 22 doesn’t get you a shot at the NHL then good luck to future NHL goalies and maybe why the GM got fired….
He gave Markstrom a FULL NMC for the entire term of the 6 year contract. He should have been fired for that alone. Keeping Vladar would be better because you get about the same level of goaltending for $5mill cheaper. Wolf was ready last year IMO. Treliving destroyed the team.