I would say that it is a bit early to make any definitive assertions about goaltending next year and beyond.
Wolf - He looks legit. He is everything that I thought Parsons was going to be. If he was elite in his first season of pro hockey in the AHL, and that's a big step to take from Junior. Flames have had a plethora of 'elite' junior goalies who then proceed to falter for one reason or another in the pros. There is a lot to be optimistic about when it comes to Wolf.
Vladar - did people forget that Vladar's past season was his rookie season? He is by FAR not a finished product. If Wolf had the same exact season as Vladar had last season - both statistically and 'visually', I would be happy with that. Vladar performed well, and I do expect him to improve this season. To say that he won't be a starter in the NHL - I don't see any reason why someone would reach that conclusion based on his experience.
A good comparison is Rittich. Maybe we have forgotten a bit, but Rittich was among the league leaders in those 'elite level goal saving saves' (I forget what they are called, but whatever In-Goal magazine referred to them as). Rittich was a heck of an athletic goalie. However, he was near the bottom at long range saves (the easy ones). That shows a lack of focus. Vladar seemed like the best version of Rittich, but also more composed and more focused. He didn't SEEM like a rookie goalie last season.
Markstrom - people will point at his performance in Edmonton, but that's stems from the whole damn team being rattled. He had to make highlight reel saves over and over to keep the Flames in it. Flames allowed way too many high-danger chances (I feel that's not descriptive enough - Flames allowed way too many 'Sure Goal Chances') over and over and over. Not only did they allow those, but they allowed those to some of the NHL's best players and snipers. I don't fault Markstrom - I think he ended up just as rattled as everyone else, and probably felt like he had to over-compensate for having McDavid, Draisaitl, Kane and Hyman take wide-open uncontested shots from the slot (and closer!).
I don't think we know how good Wolf will be - certainly the NHL is littered with goalies who exceeded for a season, and then suddenly disappeared. I don't think we know what Vladar is going to be either - there is no reason to think he won't continue to improve. I also don't think we can be sure of how long Markstrom stays this good (and yes, he is this good - he is elite). He turns 33 in January, so who knows?
I think some of the other goalies in the system are interesting too. There might be an injury. There might be a trade bringing in another guy in a year or two (though less likely).
I am just happy for what the Flames have thus far in the pipeline and on the team. If all things go well, then at some point you trade Markstrom, Vladar is the starter, and Wolf is the backup. After a couple of seasons, maybe those roles flip? Maybe Wolf will be the starter and Chechelev will be the backup?
It just is so nice to have actual options and possibilities without 'hoping' for them.
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