Markstrom's total save percentage as a Flame, including the playoffs, is 90.9%.
League average save percentage over that time is 90.7%.
An argument can be made that the Flames generally prevent high danger chances and have been above-average defensively. Such is an identity of Sutter-coached teams with defensive depth.
Last year, his saves above expected was good, but not good enough to deserve being a Vezina candidate. This year, his saves above expected is actually slightly better than Vladars.
Overall, Markstrom has been an average goalie. Maybe a tad above average. Not worth his 6 million AAV. This is especially true when you consider the fact that he has 3 more years remaining and is about to age into his mid-thirties. Regression is obviously a lot more likely than progression at this point. As are injuries.
His performance is nowhere near bad enough to be talking about buyouts. But I also doubt he has much trade value (and with his contract limitations, a trade would be unlikely in the first place). Because of Vladar's extension, the cap hit of the goalies doesn't really matter. Either way, they're both locked in for 2 more years. Markstrom has one additional year. As such, there's no harm in making Vladar the starter if need be.
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