Dec 5, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Daniel Vladar (80) objects to a call after his team’s 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues in overtime at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images

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Hurricanes Explore Potential Trade for Flames Daniel Vladar

Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly interested in acquiring Flames goaltender Daniel Vladař.

The Hurricanes have asked the Flames about the trade availability of goaltender Daniel Vladař as they aim to strengthen their goaltending depth, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported on Tuesday.

Last month, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic gently linked Vladař to Carolina while discussing the Canes’ interest in Ducks’ John Gibson. He was referred to as a potential trade candidate then but now appears more closely associated with Carolina.

The Hurricanes continue to seek a more reliable NHL solution in goal, as Frederik Andersen is out following knee surgery and won’t return for several weeks. The seasoned starter participated in practice today for the first time following his surgery, as the team’s Walt Ruff reported.

Hurricanes Have “Checked In” On Flames’ Daniel Vladařhttps://t.co/qdglebkmGz
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) January 8, 2025

As Andersen is expected to enter free agency this summer and is not likely to return to Carolina due to his injury record over the last few seasons, Gibson appears to be a more logical choice for the Canes as a long-term acquisition to team up with Pyotr Kochetkov in goal. Vladař, currently an unrestricted free agent, would probably serve as a backup choice if they are unable to finalize a deal with Anaheim.

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However, as Seravalli notes, it’s not assured that the Flames will trade Vladař. The goaltender mentioned to Eric Francis from Sportsnet last week that he’s willing to agree to an extension in Calgary, and they won’t trade him for anything lower than a third-round selection. With limited teams besides Carolina looking into the goalie market, there’s no assurance that the Flames could push the price that high unless the Canes become desperate. That would represent a significant shift for a Carolina team that has often stood still at the deadline in past years if they aren’t satisfied with the outcome.

Vladař has played 19 games this season alongside rising star Dustin Wolf, just four games shy of his career record achieved with Calgary in 2022-23. He holds a mediocre .888 SV% and a 3.08 GAA, yet he has managed to secure two shutouts. According to MoneyPuck, he has permitted 2.9 goals beyond what was anticipated given the shot quality he has encountered. Though an improvement over Carolina’s current backup choice, Dustin Tokarski would firmly occupy the No. 3 spot on their depth chart when Andersen comes back and would probably not remain unless the Canes are unable to find an upgrade in next summer’s free agent market.

Image Credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images

Daniel Vladar

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!