Dan Vladar, the Calgary Flames' backup goaltender for the past four seasons, is on the cusp of unrestricted free agency (UFA) this offseason, and recent reports suggest he's strongly considering testing the open market. While the allure of more playing time elsewhere is understandable, Vladar would be wise to carefully weigh his options before leaving Calgary. Several factors point towards remaining with the Flames as the most prudent path for the 27-year-old Czech netminder.
Firstly, Vladar's performance throughout his NHL career has been adequate but not stellar. Through 105 appearances, he holds a 2.98 goals-against average (GAA) and a .898 save percentage (SV%). While he has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been an issue. Several games this season demonstrate his capabilities, such as his 30-save performance against the Los Angeles Kings in the season finale. These numbers might not command top dollar or a guaranteed starting role on another team. In a league where goaltending depth is always valued, Vladar has established himself as a reliable backup, but his track record might not be enough to secure a significant upgrade in opportunity elsewhere.
Secondly, the goaltending market this summer appears to be relatively sparse. With limited options available, teams seeking a reliable backup might be hesitant to overspend. While Vladar could find a team willing to offer him a similar role to the one he has in Calgary, the chances of landing a starting position seem slim. Recent reports even suggest the Flames are already exploring other goaltending options, potentially including Russian netminder Ivan Prosvetov. This indicates that Vladar's negotiating leverage might not be as strong as he hopes.
Thirdly, the situation in Calgary is stable and familiar. Vladar has spent the past four seasons with the Flames, developing a rapport with the coaching staff, teammates, and the city. He knows the system, the expectations, and the environment. This familiarity provides a level of comfort and stability that is rare in the often-turbulent world of professional hockey. Moreover, he has a good working relationship with Dustin Wolf, the Flames' promising young starting goalie.
While Wolf is clearly the Flames' goalie of the future, the NHL season is long and demanding. Having a reliable and experienced backup like Vladar is crucial for managing Wolf's workload and preventing burnout. The Flames recognize this and have reportedly made offers to Vladar to remain with the team. Although nothing has been agreed upon yet, the fact that the Flames are interested in retaining him speaks volumes about his value to the organization.
Finally, financial considerations must be taken into account. While Vladar might be seeking a higher salary, the reality is that backup goalies typically don't command exorbitant contracts. The Flames have likely offered him a fair deal based on his performance and market value. Chasing a slightly larger paycheck elsewhere might not be worth the risk of joining a less stable organization or a team where he doesn't fit as well. His previous contract with the Flames was a 2-year deal worth $4.4 million, with a cap hit of $2.2 million per season.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Dan Vladar. However, from an objective standpoint, testing free agency appears to be a risky proposition. The potential rewards – a starting role or a significant pay raise – seem unlikely, while the potential downsides – joining a less stable team or earning a similar salary in a less comfortable environment – are very real. Unless Vladar receives an offer that is too good to refuse, he would be wise to carefully consider the benefits of remaining in Calgary, where he is valued, respected, and has the opportunity to continue his NHL career in a stable and supportive environment.
