Breaking down Dan Vladar's current value with the Flames
Calgary Flames have two good options in their crease. Jacob Markstrom is a bona fide star and Dan Vladar is an up-and-comer. Dustin Wolf is pushing to join the NHL from the AHL. Oscar Dansk and Daniil Chechelev provide quality minor league depth.
Wolf played 47 games in the AHL last season. Vladar started 19 games for the Flames last year. Wolf would be looking at similar ice time in NHL at best. The quality of opponents and the experience gained in this league is higher. There are differences in preparation and physical toll between starting and backup goalies.
Wolf projects to be a starting goalie in the NHL, but he's better served developing the habits of a professional starter in an AHL. Vladar is the right type of player for the Flames as a backup. He's 25 years old and his upside is lower than Wolf's. He provides stability for Markstrom and peace of mind for other goalies in his organization.
Dan Vladar is the Flames' backup goalie. The team has limited cap space and needs to sign a depth forward before the 2022–23 season. Trading Vladars is unlikely to improve the team in the short term. If the trade doesn't work, the club can promote internally.
Dan Vladar was traded for a third-round draft pick last year. He could fetch a lot more this time around. The Flames are in win-now mode and need to build for the future. They have the depth to survive even a long-term injury to Markstrom. If Vladars were to be traded, they would have to revisit the free agent market.
Vladar's trade value will increase as he continues to prove himself. Teams on the fringe of the playoff picture will be looking to buy a goalie near the deadline. If the team is comfortable with the progression of Wolf and Chechelev in the minor leagues, trading Vladar would be the right move.
Dan Vladar is a good backup goalie for the Calgary Flames. Vladars trade with the Wranglers was one of the better trades involving a mid-round draft pick. The Flames have a strong starting and backup, and a pipeline for their future. They should keep Vladas as their backup.
