With the NHL trade deadline looming, the Flames have decisions to make and just a few more games before the all-star break
The Calgary Flames' MVP to this point of the season is likely goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
And at arguably the crux of the 2023-24 campaign, Markstrom is set to return from injury to lead his Flames team into the NHL All-Star break.
While the 33-year-old didn’t shed any light on his latest injury — a lower-body ailment — and stuck to his “excitement” about returning after practicing with the team a couple of times, the team would love for Markstrom to return to form quickly after a three-game layoff.
Before his break, the big Swede was on a hot streak between the pipes.
Since returning from a broken finger in early December, Markstrom went 7-3-0 with a .936 save percentage. Elite goalie stuff.
He’s ready to pick up where he left off.
“Yeah, I mean, just kind of skating and working on the stuff we've been working on all year and just keep building on that,” Markstrom told reporters at the Saddledome on Monday. “I didn't miss too many days of not skating, so I've been able to been out there with Barbs (goalie coach Jason LaBarbera) and just kind of keep working and keep doing what we've been doing.”
Backup Dan Vladar played well while Markstrom rested, but only won one of three games despite stopping 81 of 89 shots he faced against the Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers.
If teams looking to bolster their backup spot at the NHL trade deadline are taking notice, so is Vladar’s mentor.
“Yeah, he been awesome. You know what? He's been great all season,” Markstrom said. “The games he comes in and plays, and it's not easy to come in. Obviously, if you ask him, he didn't get the results he wanted, but the way he plays, you just got to keep doing that and he's going to give our team a chance to win every game.”
Not as good as the starter.
For all the Vladar trade talk, Markstrom is on that radar now, too — although with a no-movement clause, he holds all the cards in that game. Barring a blockbuster that convinces the Calgary Flames to ask him if he’ll waive, it’s more likely that route is explored in the offseason.
The Flames have enough to worry about with a few high-profile unrestricted free agents to be in Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.
As far as rest goes, Markstrom has had enough. Asked how he balances conversations with the coach about playing time versus rest, he jumped in with a quick reply.
“I don't balance them. I’m a goalie, I want to play every night. Him as a coach wants to win every night, too. So whoever — Dan, like I said before, Dan has been playing great. And whoever's in net, we're all in this group and in this locker room, and we want to support each other.”