I wouldn't expect a big return for Vladar if he is moved. Everyone knows Calgary's situation so unless there is a bidding war or someone really believes he can be an everyday starter, I don't see more than a second round pick for him.
Starting the season with three goalies seems like it's delaying the inevitable; I can understand why you'd do it but IMO you're much better off making a trade at the Draft versus waiting until September and perhaps hoping there is an injury somewhere the creates a need.
If Markstrom does agree to waive his NMC (not sure why he would), the question is this -- would you rather have:
- Vladar, Wolf and $2.5M retained on Markstrom
or
- Markstrom and Wolf
The cap hit is almost the same (at least for the next two years, Markstrom is signed until 2025/26). I believe Markstrom can bounce back but I also like Vladar and would have given him more leash this year to prove himself. The problem with keeping Vladar is that Sutter doesn't seem to trust him; maybe Treliving (or whoever the GM ends up being) forces his hand by trading Markstrom, assuming that's an option.
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