Flames sign goalie Dan Vladar to a multi-year extension

The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed goaltender Dan Vladar to a two year contract extension worth $2.2 million per season.

From the Flames' official press release announcement:

The Calgary Flames announced today a contract extension for goaltender Dan Vladar. The two-year contract extension will commence at the beginning the 2023-24 season, with an AAV of $2,200,000.

Vladar is in his second season with Calgary after being acquired by the Flames from Boston on July 28, 2021 for a third round draft pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The native of Prague, Czechia played in 23 games last season for the Flames, posting a 13-6-2 record with a 2.75 GAA, a .906 save percentage and 2 shutouts. In his first appearance this season on October 15, Vladar made 26 saves in a 4-3 victory over Edmonton.

The Czech born goaltender was acquired by the Flames last season from the Boston Bruins in exchange for a 3rd round pick at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Originally drafted by the Bruins in the 3rd round (75th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Vladar played just five games for the Bruins before being shipped to Calgary. With veterans Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Spacek and with youngster Jeremy Swayman all in the mix for playing time in Boston, there was simply no room for Vladar with the Bruins. Since moving on to Calgary though, Vladar has cemented himself as the team's #2 goalie behind starter Jacob Markstrom. 

With Vladar and Markstrom both locked up and under contract for the next while, the Flames shouldn't have much to worry about between the pipes. Sure, Markstrom has looked shaky to begin the campaign and faltered in the playoffs last season, but I have full faith in his ability to rebound. And if Markstrom does play poorly for stretches, the Flames will have a quality backup in Vladar to turn to in relief. Interestingly enough, Vladar is the Flames' lone Czech player which I find particularly amusing because Markstrom previous backup in Calgary was Czech goalie David Rittich now of the Winnipeg Jets.