2021 Flames Top 25 Under 25: #13 - Dan Vladar

#13 - Dan Vladar

Position: Goaltender

Age: 23 (as of August 1 2021)

2020-21 Team: Boston Bruins (NHL), Providence Bruins (AHL)

Stats: NHL - 2-2-1, .886 SV%, 3.40 GAA, AHL - 3-4-3, .923 SV%, 2.19 GAA

Acquired via Trade on July 28, 2021

2020 Ranking: NA

On the opening day of free agency, there was some expectation that the Calgary Flames were going to sign a veteran backup goaltender on a cheap deal. Instead, they swung a trade late in the day with the Boston Bruins, sending a third round pick in exchange for Dan Vladar.

Originally a third round pick in 2015 by Boston, Vladar spent a number of years developing in the Bruins system before finally making his NHL debut this past season. In his first career start, he made 34 saves on 35 shots in helping Boston defeat Pittsburgh by a score of 2-1.

It is worth noting that while his overall numbers don’t look good, most of that came from one bad game against the Washington Capitals late in the season when the Bruins lost 8-1 and they left Vladar in all game to give their other goaltender rest. He had a combined .917 SV% in the other four games he played.

While Jacob Markstrom will ultimately get the majority of starts this season under Darryl Sutter, Vladar should be a more than competent backup as he moves into full time NHL role. Given that he’s signed for this year and next at the league minimum salary of $750K, he also provides added cap flexibility for the club.

I’m excited to see how he performs for the Flames and if he can provide a reliable option behind Markstrom should he go down with injury or need time off as the season goes on.