Dustin Wolf Comparison

[HighLifeMan]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Steinberg suggested a three headed monster hybrid yesterday where you take advantage of Wolf's waiver status and having a team in Calgary to have him split duty between both Calgary teams.

Keeps them from having to move on from Vladar early if Wolf isn't quite ready.

Really makes you question why this option wasn't utilized this season. It's just doesn't seem like a viable option with Darryl here and how he operates.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

They certainly would be able to move Vladar. I question if that is the RIGHT move though.

Maybe Marky doesn't bounce back and the best option is Vladar/Wolf? I believe in Vladar.

Markstrom and Vladar were neck and neck in how badly they played this year. Markstorm also has a full NMC, and fits in less well on a lot of teams' caps. It frankly easier to move a backup anyway - many more teams need them. Far fewer teams are looking for a starter.

I also think both Vladar and Markstorm will play better. Markstrom looked a lot more like his previous self in the last month. Especially the last 3 games he played - he was fine.

[tvp2003]

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.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Watching him last night in warmups and during the game, I was surprised by how active Wolf was. Most starting goalies seem to want to conserve their energy, do what they need to do to get ready and then get off the ice. Maybe he was just amped up for his debut but he was one of the last guys off the ice, and he would be skating around shooting pucks and being much more active than anyone I've seen in the NHL. And then before each period, stretching, jumping, crashing back into his net -- Zadorov said he heard Wolf was pretty superstitious so I guess if it works don't change it.

That kind of reminds me of how Fred Brathwaite used to handle warm-ups. He'd be there right to the end whether he was starting or not, zipping around, taking shots on goal, etc.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

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.

Flames got Vladar for a 3rd, so a second would be OK.

Markstrom's NMC clause was hugely important to him - it was a real sticking point in Vancouver.

I think a three headed monster would be a huge mistake and a distraction

[automaton 3]

As I recall the last 3 headed monster situation became a huge distraction and I hope this scenario is avoided like the plague.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

As described, it doesn't sound like it would really be a 3-headed monster so much as sporadic call-ups of Wolf throughout the season. When 3-headed monsters become a distraction it's when all the goalies are around all season, particularly in practice where two of them have to share a net.

[Samonadreau]

Please no 3 headed monster.

I am fine with Markstrom and Wolf next season, just move Vladar this offseason.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

As described, it doesn't sound like it would really be a 3-headed monster so much as sporadic call-ups of Wolf throughout the season. When 3-headed monsters become a distraction it's when all the goalies are around all season, particularly in practice where two of them have to share a net.

I wonder if Wolf, who should be brimming with confidence, becomes resentful for not being given a fair shot to make the NHL after everything he's done.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Steinberg suggested a three headed monster hybrid yesterday where you take advantage of Wolf's waiver status and having a team in Calgary to have him split duty between both Calgary teams.

Keeps them from having to move on from Vladar early if Wolf isn't quite ready.

Steinberg is also backtracking, just a week ago he was saying it would be better to give him another year in the ahl

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I wonder if Wolf, who should be brimming with confidence, becomes resentful for not being given a fair shot to make the NHL after everything he's done.

One of the guys on 960 Flames Talk a few weeks ago said Wolf and the team sat down on a development plan two years ago.

He's in the loop and wasn't expecting a recall this season from what they were hinting at.

Not sure what that means for next year though.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

I think it makes the most sense to find a spot for him on the big team. Not sure what else he has to prove in the AHL. For his development, NHL makes the most sense next year.

But economically, it's the last year of his deal. If he plays another year in the AHL, that next contract will be plenty cheaper than if he plays in the NHL and does exceptionally well.

[tvp2003]

I'm convinced that he has nothing more in the AHL to prove -- if they want him to develop into a NHLer he needs to be facing NHL shooters.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1646593786464866304

[JD]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

But economically, it's the last year of his deal. If he plays another year in the AHL, that next contract will be plenty cheaper than if he plays in the NHL and does exceptionally well.

God help us if that's how they're making their player development decisions.

[Reggie Dunlop]

It's a good problem to have...

[Roof-Daddy]

A good problem would be if Markstrom was a Vezina finalist again after leading the Flames to another 100+ point season, and Vladar had actually improved over last season and not regressed.

Instead we've got a stud goalie prospect ready to go and two NHL goalies that are basically worthless right now. So instead of being able to trade (for example) Vladar for a 1st round pick or some other nice return this summer and graduating the prospect, we're either going to have to dump one of the NHL goalies for a very underwhelming return or else run some sort of three headed disgrace next season lol

[Reggie Dunlop]

As opposed to not having a top goaltending prospect...

[Monahammer]

IF (big if) there is someone out there willing to take Markstrom's 6 Million cap hit without a SIGNIFICANT addition, then that is no doubt the best route to take. We need cap space and he's a negative on the roster. Even if you consider Markstrom better than Vladar (personally strongly disagree, but whatever) the cap considerations alone make shopping markstrom as much as possible worth it prior to ditching Vladar.

Wolf needs to be in the NHL next season. We can afford to attach a prospect not named Coronato, Pelletier, Wolf, or Zary to markstrom if that makes him moveable, or any pick thats not a 1st is likely worth it.

I would even consider an underperforming dman swap for markstrom. That could be interesting. But really, we need out from that money.

[GioforPM]

Of course getting out of the contract would be help for the cap. IMO the NMC is a bigger obstacle than the trading partner. But even getting ride if Vladar’s contract is a cap help. And if you can add a bullet or two at the draft that’s good too.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Of course getting out of the contract would be help for the cap. IMO the NMC is a bigger obstacle than the trading partner. But even getting ride if Vladar’s contract is a cap help. And if you can add a bullet or two at the draft that’s good too.

Fair point on the NMC, but I got the distinct sense from Markstrom this season that he'd be fine with something new. The hang up then comes in if he's going to try and limit that movement with the NMC and if that limitation aligns with teams willing to take him on.

IMO Vladar for a 2nd < Markstrom+2nd for cap space though.