The Calgary Flames’ Goalie Dilemma
At some point this season, the Calgary Flames will have to make a critical decision about Dan Vladar’s future with the team. As a 27-year-old pending unrestricted free agent, Vladar’s contract is set to expire, and the Flames are faced with a tough choice. His most likely replacement, Devin Cooley, is currently excelling with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. Cooley’s contract converts to a one-way NHL deal next season, making him a strong contender to take over the backup role. Over the past few months, there has been a lot of speculation that Vladar could be a trade candidate, but his recent performance has complicated the situation.
The Rise of Devin Cooley
Devin Cooley has been nothing short of stellar with the Wranglers. Boasting a .925 save percentage and a 2.26 goals-against average, Cooley has earned an all-star appearance with an impressive 18-9-2 record and three shutouts. His performance has solidified his reputation as a reliable and talented goaltender, making him an attractive option for the Flames. Cooley’s strong play has raised the stakes for Vladar, who has found himself relegated to the backup role behind Dustin Wolf, a Calder Trophy candidate.
The Decline of Dan Vladar
When the Flames acquired Vladar from the Boston Bruins in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick, they had high hopes for him. However, his performance this season has been lackluster. Given the tougher starts and all the second halves of back-to-back scenarios, Vladar has struggled to find his form. He currently owns a 7-10-5 record with an inflated 3.07 goals-against average and a meager .888 save percentage. In contrast, Dustin Wolf has maintained a strong .912 save percentage and a 2.63 goals-against average, making it difficult for Vladar to justify more playing time.
The Trade Market and Vladar’s Value
Teams that were interested in Vladar earlier in the season may circle back given the importance of depth at the goaltending position. However, their offers will likely be much more tempered now, given Vladar’s current statistics and results. The Flames originally traded a third-round pick to acquire Vladar and would like to recoup at least that value, if not more, in a return this year. Unfortunately, given Vladar’s performance, that outcome is increasingly unlikely.
The Flames’ Options
If Flames GM Craig Conroy determines that the trade offers are too low, the team may choose to keep Vladar as the backup for the remainder of the season. This approach would allow them to assess his performance and potential value as a free agent. Vladar has shown flashes of his abilities, such as his 29-save showing in his last start in Seattle, which could be valuable during the playoff race. However, with the Flames returning from the 4-Nations Face-off break and the March 7 NHL trade deadline approaching, the window to deal Vladar at his peak value has certainly passed.
Looking Ahead
The decision on Vladar’s future with the Flames is a crucial one, and it will impact the team’s roster and depth at the goaltending position. The upcoming trade deadline will be a key point in determining his fate. If the Flames can find a suitable trade that meets their expectations, it could be a win-win situation. If not, they may have to ride with Vladar as the backup and hope he can provide stability and strong performances when called upon. The clock is ticking, and the Flames will need to make a well-informed decision to ensure they are in the best possible position for the playoffs and beyond.
