WA-NHL-PendingUFAsuccess In a recent article, we discussed one group of pending free agents [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/calgary-flames-players-eligible-for-extensions] that Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy will have to deal with soon. One player was omitted from that list, but arguably, it is an important name: backup goaltender Dan Vladar. The Czech goalie [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/cflames-players-who-could-have-made-an-8-nations-faceoff-roster] has been in the Calgary system since the 2021-22 season when he was acquired from the Boston Bruins. Playing around 20 games in the past few seasons, he's settled nicely into his role as a backup under Jacob Markstrom and Dustin Wolf. Knowing his role will be essential if Conroy decides to keep him around with an extension, as rookie Wolf has emerged and is proving himself to be the no-doubt starter. Thus far, Vladar has had his best quality start percentage in 2024-25, at 52.9 percent, up from his career average of 43.5 percent. Conversely, Vladar's last contract was a two-year deal paying him $2.2 million per season. Despite his successes, the Flames have another goalie in the system, Devin Cooley, who is under contract next year at the league minimum, which means there's no guarantee Vladar will get another deal in Calgary. Cooley is having a great year in the AHL, playing for the Flames' affiliate Calgary Wranglers. He is 15-5-0 with a career-high .940 save percentage (SV%) and an incredible 1.89 goals-against average (GAA). Unfortunately, Cooley has only six career NHL appearances, all for a rebuilding San Jose Sharks team, and has yet to prove himself in the league. Meanwhile, Vladar has struggled recently, with a .886 SV% and -6.60 goals saved above expected, meaning his stats leave much to be desired. These recent performances lead many to wonder if Conroy would be better off looking to trade Vladar at the deadline and hand the backup duties to Cooley if the Flames fall out of the playoff picture. Undoubtedly, there would be a market for Vladar, who stands at 6'5", as contending teams look for insurance in their creases heading into the playoffs. However, solving Wolf's upcoming backup problem won't be easy, as Vladar has two shutouts and bailed out the Flames in numerous contests this season. He is still a decent backup option with almost 100 games of NHL experience. Luckily for Conroy, though, he has options regarding what to do next with the goalies despite the question marks that could arise on who gives Wolf the night off in the upcoming seasons.
